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Football London
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Josh Holland

Ben White leaves England World Cup squad due to 'personal reasons'

Arsenal and England defender Ben White has returned home from England's training base in Qatar due to personal reasons.

The Gunners ace has not featured for Gareth Southgate's side in the World Cup this month and missed yesterday's 3-0 win over Wales due to illness. Harry Maguire and John Stones have been the mainstay in England's defence in the opening three games with Conor Coady and Eric Dier joining White as options.

As the rest of the Three Lions squad prepare for Sunday's last 16 tie against Senegal, the FA have announced this evening that the 25-year-old has returned home. A statement read: "Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons.

READ MORE: What Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale did in England training that left Newcastle duo in shock

"The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament.

"We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time."

White has made only four appearances for his nation since making his debut in June 2021. After missing out in the June and September squads earlier this campaign, White was included in Southgate's 26-man squad for the World Cup after his eye-catching performances at right-back for Arsenal.

The former Brighton defender has featured in all 14 of the Gunners' Premier League games this season, assisting two goals from right-back.

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