Chris Waddle has called for Ben White to be banned from representing England for life, criticising the defender’s return to the national team after his absence from international football.
Speaking to iGaming.com, the former England midfielder questioned Thomas Tuchel’s decision to recall the 29-year-old and argued that 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 any player who declined to represent England should have a permanent asterisk placed next to their name.
White ended his self-imposed international exile in March 2026 after accepting Tuchel’s invitation for two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. He has since returned to the England squad for the UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain in November.
Tuchel’s squad selection has also attracted attention because of the omission of several established names. The German coach left out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo and Neco O’Reilly for technical and tactical reasons as he continues to reshape the team.
Palmer’s exclusion was among the biggest surprises. The Chelsea forward was not selected for the current international break, while Manchester City’s Foden, Mainoo and Neco O’Reilly were also absent from the squad.
There were first senior England call-ups for Josh King, the Fulham midfielder, and Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund. Jobe, the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, will join his sibling in the squad.
Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among the leading names included by Tuchel. Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton and Rio Ngumoha are also part of the group, as the manager seeks to introduce new players and increase competition for places.
England are without several influential players, including Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tino Livramento and Alex Scott. Their absences have created opportunities for less experienced players to feature at senior level.
The squad will face Croatia and Spain in the UEFA Nations League in November, with Tuchel’s choices indicating that selection is being guided by his tactical plans rather than reputation alone.
