Waddle slams Tuchel’s ‘strange’ White recall

Former England international Chris Waddle believes Arsenal defender Ben White should never play for his country again after he previously walked out on the squad. White has returned to contention under new manager Thomas Tuchel and was included in the latest squad, but Waddle is adamant the door should have remained shut.

Waddle argued that turning down a national team call-up should carry a permanent consequence. He also called Tuchel’s decision to recall him a “very, very strange call-up”.

White himself has refused to go into detail about his past England absence, stating he does not want to speak negatively about anyone. He admitted the situation was “not ideal” and cited poor communication, but maintained he would probably make the same decision again.

Waddle thinks England fans will show him what they think of what he did if he plays, because you do not turn your country down and say you are not interested in international football.