Ben White withdraws from England's World Cup squad due to ‘personal reasons’

The Arsenal defender has pulled out of the squad for the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022

Ben White has left England's World Cup training center in Qatar for personal reasons. The Arsenal defender is not expected to return during the world championship.

White hasn't played in any of the Three Lions' three Group B games yet, and he was sick on Tuesday night when they beat Wales 3-0. But the defender has been in good form for Arsenal in the Premier League this term. He has featured both as a centre-half and at the right back slot. While could have been a good option for Southgate but now, he will fly home.

Since it's too late for England to name a replacement for the versatile center-back, manager Gareth Southgate will only have 25 players left for the rest of the World Cup. On Sunday night, England will play Senegal in the round of 16 at Al Bayt Stadium.

“Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons,” read a statement issued by England on Wednesday evening.

“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.”

The 25-year-old has also only played four international friendlies for his country. However, White's performance for Arsenal this season earned him a call-up to England's World Cup squad.

England, who are not currently understood to be dealing with any injuries and have not received any yellow card so far during the tournament, will need to demonstrate that they can cope with White's absence.