‘Disrespectful to the sport’ – Ben White’s possible England return sparks passionate rant

Ally McCoist has made it abundantly clear what he thinks about Ben White, in the midst of speculation that the Arsenal defender might be returning to the England team.

After a reported disagreement with former assistant Steve Holland, the Gunners player has not been included in a Three Lions squad since the 2022 World Cup. Subsequently, he has made himself unavailable for selection, which has prevented him from being included in that squad.

Although this is the case, the new England manager Thomas Tuchel disclosed in December that he would’reach out’ to White, which led to speculation that the 26-year-old player could still have a chance to revive his international career.

As a result of the fact that Tuchel began his official role on January 1st, it is now believed that this conversation has already taken place.

At this time, it is not clear whether these discussions will result in White being called back into the squad for the World Cup qualifiers that will take place the following month against Albania and Latvia.

The Englishman’s decision to rule himself out of contention sparked widespread criticism at the time, with many people arguing that this should be the end of his career on the international stage.

The former manager of Tottenham, Harry Redknapp, was among those who expressed their opinion, saying that “the door should be slammed right in his mush!” in the previous year.

In addition, talkSPORT’s McCoist has now provided his opinion on the matter, which comes after the most recent turn of events in White’s England saga.

When the Scot was reminded of the comments that Redknapp had made on the Breakfast show, he responded by saying, “I don’t know why Ben White made that decision, right?

As Harry Redknapp put it, “If he made the decision because he didn’t fancy it, then Harry Redknapp is right, and I think it should be slammed right in his mush.”
After that, McCoist concurred with his co-host Troy Deeney that his position would have been different if White’s decision to withdraw from consideration for selection had been the result of mental struggles.

On the other hand, the former Scotland international admitted that he, along with a large number of England supporters, would have a difficult time comprehending the right-back’s decision to decline the opportunity to represent his country.

His next statement was as follows: “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, from any walk of life, would turn their back on their country.”

“I am currently at that point in time. Any and all ways, shapes, and forms.”

Deeney was of the opinion that White’s behaviour would have caused fans to feel upset, and McCoist agreed with Deeney’s assessment. McCoist also mentioned that White had previously stated that he did not enjoy playing football.

The former Brighton resident has stated on multiple occasions that he does not have any interest in watching the sport when he is not actively participating in it.

To his coworkers Shebahn Aherne and Deeney, McCoist expressed his opinion on this matter by saying, “It hits people the wrong way, Shebahn, Troy.”

Since a great number of people are concerned about the fact that they believe, and possibly even myself to some degree, he has been a little bit disrespectful to the sport that has been so beneficial to him, he has been a little bit disrespectful.

I am not suggesting that everyone should go and watch every game that is played anywhere in the world; of course, you should not do that.

“But you can’t really come out and say, ‘Well, I don’t really like it,’ when there are people spending a lot of money to go and watch football games, and you’re coming out and saying that you don’t really like it.

“I am aware that there are some individuals who say, ‘I admire his honesty,’ but I believe that this kind of honesty ought to possibly remain in there because it does upset people who are passionate people about football.”

In his final assessment of White’s situation, McCoist revealed that he was hesitant to see him return to the England fold. He also stated that he was reluctant to see White return.

In an open and honest statement, the former striker for the Rangers stated, “We are talking about the issue as football fans and as people.”

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? When it comes down to it, that is exactly what we are discussing here.

My response is that he shouldn’t do that, but I don’t know the full details of why he did it in the first place. If you want to know my answer, click here.