Arsenal defender Ben White quits England squad for personal reasons

2022-12-01 10:46

Arsenal defender Ben White quits England squad for personal reasons


On the 11th day of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 25-year-old Arsenal defender Ben White withdrew from the England national team for personal reasons.


"The defender is not expected to return to the team for the remainder of the campaign," England said in a statement on Wednesday. Subsequently, they also called on fans to respect Ben White's privacy.


According to the FA announcement, Ben White has left England's training base in Al Wakrah and flew back to his home country from Qatar.


Ben White has made 19 appearances for Arsenal this season and also scored two assists. His outstanding performance at the club allowed him to be selected for the 26-man squad, but he has never represented England in any World Cup group matches.


There are many indications that the central defender position of the England team is well-reserved so that Ben White cannot play: In addition to Ben White, Southgate still has 4 central defender candidates, they are Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones.


After the England team's statement, Arsenal immediately took to social media to express their solidarity with their players. "We're all with you, Ben," they said.


England defeated Wales 3-0 in the final round of the World Cup group stage yesterday and advanced to the round of 16 as the top of Group B. According to the schedule, they will face Senegal on December 4, striving to enter the quarter-finals of the World Cup.