White does not regret actions that led to England exile

Ben White insists fans do not know the full story of the incident that led to him making himself unavailable for England duty, adding he does not regret his actions.

White walked out of Gareth Southgate's squad due to personal reasons at the 2022 World Cup, amid suggestions he had fallen out with a member of the coaching staff.

The Arsenal defender opted out of England duty for the remainder of Southgate's tenure, only returning to the squad under Thomas Tuchel in March.

White featured in two pre-World Cup friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, being booed by many England supporters in the former game, before an injury kept him out of the final tournament.

Now 29 and with just six senior caps to his name, White may have sacrificed the best years of his international career, but in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he said the details of that 2022 fall-out will remain private.

"People don't know the full story, because I have never said anything and I won't put anyone under the bus or share any of that," White said. "I think that is probably the best way."

Asked if he would act differently if a similar incident occurred now, White replied: "No, I don't think I would. Obviously, I was a bit younger, I am a bit older now.

"I think as a person I am quite real and I think I made the decision that I would probably continue to make.

"So, it's something that I am not happy about, but obviously it happened and it is time to move on. It's been a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it is amazing to be here now."

White's England return was an eventful one, as he was jeered after coming off the bench against Uruguay. He silenced those boos by scoring his first international goal, then conceded a stoppage-time penalty as the Three Lions were pegged back in a 1-1 draw.

Reflecting on that game, White said: "I was thinking, 'don't stand out, just take it nice and easy'. Then I came on and obviously got booed, then I scored, and then I gave away a penalty.

"So, it was obviously full of emotions that night, but it was a good night."

White is part of Tuchel's latest Three Lions squad, with games against Czechia and Spain to come in the Nations League this week. England only need one point to be assured of a quarter-final place.