Ally McCoist holds nothing back on Ben White’s potential England U-turn as Thomas Tuchel ‘begins talks’ over return

In the wake of reports that the Arsenal defender has ‘held talks’ with Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, Ally McCoist has made it abundantly clear that he has a clear opinion regarding the possibility of Ben White returning to the England setup.

Since leaving the Three Lions camp early during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, White has not been selected for an England squad. This is the first time that this has happened.

It was reported in March by The Telegraph that the defender’s decision to withdraw was influenced by a conversation that took place between him and Steve Holland, who was serving as England’s assistant coach at the time.

When White, who was 25 years old at the time, responded that he did not know the answer to a question about Arsenal’s performance during the 2021/22 season, Holland allegedly responded by saying that White “was not sufficiently interested in football.” That was the alleged response.

It was stated in the report that the issue “appeared to be a question of respect accorded to the player,” and that it “eventually” led to White’s departure from its roster.

During the months leading up to the 2024 European Championship, the subject was brought back into full focus. Southgate stated, prior to the friendlies against Belgium and Brazil, that he had received a call from Arsenal sporting director Edu, who confirmed that White would not be available for selection.

Although White, a former defender for Brighton, has not yet made a public statement regarding the situation, The Sun reports that Tuchel has had a private conversation with him prior to the selection of his first England squad, which will take place the following month.

McCoist expressed his thoughts on the possibility of White returning to play for England during an interview on talkSPORT. White had previously made himself unavailable for England’s squads, but McCoist made his feelings clear.

In a fit of rage, he said, “If he made the decision [not to be available] because he didn’t fancy it, then Harry Redknapp is right. I believe that it [the door] should be slammed right in his mush, as Harry put it.”

“The one thing that a lot of people, and I would say the vast majority of people, are unable to accept is the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or occupation, would be willing to turn their back on their country. My position on it is exactly that. In every possible way, shape, or form.

The Scotsman continued by saying, “A lot of people are concerned about the fact that they think, and maybe even myself to a certain degree, that he has been a little bit disrespectful to the sport that has been so good to him.”

“You can’t really come out and see there’s people spending lots of money to go and watch games of football, and you’re coming out and saying,” Well, I don’t really like it’.

They say things like, “I admire his honesty,” and I am aware of this. On the other hand, I believe that kind of honesty ought to possibly remain in there. Because those who are passionate about football are irritated by it.

To give one example, should he be given the opportunity to return to a location where he can do so whenever and wherever it is convenient for him?

The answer that I have is that he shouldn’t. On the other hand, I am not aware of the exhaustive details of the reasons why he did it in the first place.