Arsenal and England defender Ben White is once again at the centre of a fiery debate between talkSPORT pundits Martin Keown and Simon Jordan.
The two clashed over White’s potential return to the England national team, with Keown advocating for his inclusion under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
However, Jordan dismissed the idea, citing White’s past withdrawal from international duty.
Ben White’s Absence from the England Squad
White’s absence from the England setup has been the subject of scrutiny since he left the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar.
Reports suggest the withdrawal was due to a disagreement with former assistant coach Steve Holland, which saw White step away from the England setup entirely, missing major international tournaments since then.
Gareth Southgate’s recent departure and Tuchel’s appointment as England manager have reignited speculation about whether the Arsenal star could make a U-turn on his availability.
According to talkSPORT, White is now considering a return, though public perception has been mixed, with critics questioning his commitment to the national team.
Keown and Jordan Clash Over White’s Return
Keown, a former Arsenal and England defender, was clear in his stance that White’s potential return should not be dismissed.
Emphasising the need for experienced defenders in the England squad, he said:
“I think it would be good news if he was available because it’s an area where we need better, more experienced players.”
Jordan interrupted, saying, “You’ve been praising the culture of players who want to play for England – here’s a player who doesn’t want to play for England, and now because he’s playing for Arsenal, you’re advocating that he can get back into the England fold!”
Keown chimed back in, saying, “I’m saying that we need to hold the door open because we’re not blessed with experienced players in that position.
“Why is it an exception? He’s fallen out with Steve Holland by all accounts, and neither man wanted to back down – we’re not privy to the conversation, okay?
“For me, it doesn’t really matter at the moment because he’s not fit and available and hasn’t declared anything publicly. When he does, then there’s a different conversation.”
🚨 Ben White is expected to be out for between 10-12 weeks following surgery. [@Teamnewsandtix] pic.twitter.com/uJXZXQYDop
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) November 14, 2024
Jordan, however, thinks White’s England career should be over, and doesn’t welcome a recall.
“I think you have to take the rough with the smooth, and Martin will attest to the point that you judge people in adversity, not when things are going your way,” Jordan said.
“He doesn’t get on with Steve Holland, so he decides he wants to exclude himself when his nation needs him in a tournament – ‘not for me thanks, doesn’t suit me’.
“To my mind, from an outsider looking in, I don’t think that’s acceptable. I don’t think that’s the mentality and culture that you want in the trenches when it gets dirty.
Referring to White’s alleged dispute with Steve Holland, Jordan thinks White should “get over it”.
“Get past it, be a man, and have some character – the kind of character that separates winners from losers and people that can achieve and overcome adversity, bite down on your gumshield and represent your country,” Jordan continued.
“It was John F Kennedy who said, ‘don’t ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’ – where was Ben White? On his sunbed, looking at himself in a mirror.
“The privilege that you’ve got is to be called up for your country, and if you don’t think that’s a privilege because you’ve had some hurty words with somebody, then you’re not the kind of person I think we should be talking about.”
Keown, on the other hand, is more understanding of White.
“When you play for your country you stand in that tunnel and you represent everybody, so to get that far and allow someone to snatch that away, that wouldn’t have been me,” Keown said.
“But I’m not privy to the conversation. If he needed help with that, then I’d love to support him and get him back in the fold, but I don’t think we should slam the door in his face as other people have said.
“I think we should be a little bit more understanding because he’s someone who can add real value to the England team and Thomas Tuchel will be looking at what he brings on the pitch and not the bigger picture.”
Ben White’s last appearance for England came in a friendly against Ivory Coast in March 2022, with just four caps to his name.
