The departure of Steve Holland as England’s assistant coach may allow Ben White, of Arsenal, to rejoin the national squad after their fallout.
The former Brighton player took nearly two years to decide to retire from international football, but it was allegedly sparked by a critical comment made by Gareth Southgate’s assistant.
In March, Southgate, the former England manager, disclosed that White had requested not to be taken into consideration while announcing the national team for future friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
It happened after the full-back for Arsenal departed the England team in the middle of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for “personal reasons.” Subsequent rumours suggested he had an argument with Holland.
Now that Holland is out of the picture, White might try to rejoin the Three Lions after all.
When England was in Qatar in November 2022, Holland questioned White’s interest in football, which caused a split between the two, as was disclosed in March.
Before asking White about Arsenal, Southgate’s assistant reportedly asked Kyle Walker a question about Manchester City’s results from the previous campaign.
According to reports, the 26-year-old said he didn’t know the answer, which prompted Holland to attribute it to his lack of enthusiasm for football.
It is reported that the discussion took place in front of other squad members.
The Football Association declared on November 30 that White had left camp and gone home, the day following England’s 3-0 victory over Wales in their last group match.
The Telegraph said that White was more agitated at the conversation’s public character than about Holland’s particular remark.
White has acknowledged in the past that he never liked football as a child and that he now doesn’t watch many games.
‘No, I never watched football when I was younger, and I still don’t,’ he stated in a 2021 speech.
I simply adored the game, and I never stopped playing it. I therefore don’t know a lot about previous generations.
‘I know [Patrick Vieira] was a very good player. But I wouldn’t know the details. I’m quite busy, I’m always doing something.
‘I watch myself for analytical reasons. I watch England, maybe. I just wouldn’t just sit down and watch a game.’
In April, he reiterated the point when he revealed he did not watch Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Liverpool, despite the fact Pep Guardiola’s team and Arsenal were involved in the title race.
‘I don’t watch football so I was just focused on the game today and that was it,’ White said.
‘There’s a lot of noise going on outside, and everyone is just keeping it very quiet and just getting on with what we are doing.
‘I don’t really know what’s right or wrong, I have never been in this position [competing in a title race] before. So, we are just keeping quiet, heads down and working hard.’
Many fans were quick to see the funny side, with one writing: ‘See you at the World Cup, Ben White,’ while another said: ‘The return of Ben White for England is here. The country is about to see what it’s been missing.’