Chris Waddle calls for Ben White to receive a lifetime England ban

Former England international Chris Waddle has called for Ben White to be banned from representing his country for life after the former Arsenal defender’s absence from international football.

Speaking to iGaming.com, Waddle criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel for recalling the 29-year-old and said players who turn down international duty should not be given another opportunity.

“There may be a shortage of full-backs, but when someone refuses to play for their country, as Ben White did at Euro 2024, that is a lifetime ban as far as I am concerned,” Waddle said.

He added that an asterisk should remain permanently beside the name of any player who declines to represent England.

White ended his self-imposed international exile in March 2026 after accepting Tuchel’s invitation to feature in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. He has since returned to the England squad for November’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.

Tuchel’s squad selection has also attracted attention because of several high-profile omissions. The German manager left out Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, Manchester City forward Phil Foden, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly for technical and tactical reasons.

Palmer’s omission was among the most notable decisions, with Tuchel choosing not to use the Chelsea player during the current international break. Foden, Mainoo and O’Reilly were also excluded from the squad.

The selections have, however, provided opportunities for emerging players. Fulham midfielder Josh King has received his first England call-up, while Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham has also been included for the first time. Jobe, the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, will be part of the squad alongside him.

Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among the established names selected by Tuchel. Elliott Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton and Rio Ngumoha are also included as the manager looks to introduce new players and increase competition for places.

England’s squad has been affected by a number of significant absences. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tino Livramento and Alex Scott are all unavailable, creating further opportunities for players yet to establish themselves at senior international level.

The omission of players such as Palmer and Foden, combined with the inclusion of several young prospects, underlines Tuchel’s willingness to select his England squad according to his tactical approach and the demands of the next stage, rather than relying solely on reputation.