Ben White leaves England’s World Cup squad and returns home for ‘personal reasons’ after missing group decider against Wales due to illness, while Arsenal defender not expected to return to Qatar
- White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and has returned home
- The 25-year-old did not appear in England’s first two Group B matches
- The defender then missed Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Wales due to illness
Ben White has flown home from the World Cup in England due to a personal matter.
The FA confirmed on Wednesday evening that the defender, who has yet to play for Gareth Southgate’s side here in Qatar, has left the team’s training camp in Al Wakrah.
The statement says White is not expected to return to Qatar.
England defender Ben White has gone home from the World Cup for ‘personal reasons’
“Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and has returned home for personal reasons,” the statement read.
The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the rest of the tournament.
“We ask that the player’s privacy be respected at this time.”
His club tweeted Wednesday night: “We’re all with you, Ben.”
White did not feature in the opening two Group B matches, missing out on Tuesday’s victory against Wales
Southgate will not call up a replacement.
The Three Lions boss already has defensive cover for first-choice pair Harry Maguire and John Stones with Conor Coady and Eric Dier.
White has also played at right-back for Arsenal this season, but Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold could fill that position for England.
White, who has been knocked out four times by the Three Lions, was called up to the World Cup squad following his impressive form for Arsenal this season.
White’s fiancé Milly Adams attended Friday night’s group game against the USA
The defender had started all 14 Premier League games before the World Cup break and helped his side to the top of the table.
His fiancé Milly Adams, 25, attended Friday night’s group game against the USA.
The couple shared an online black and white photo of Ben getting down on one knee to propose earlier this year.
