Ben White left England’s World Cup training center in Qatar for personal reasons. The Arsenal defender is not expected to return during the World Cup.
White has yet to play in any of the Three Lions’ three Group B games and was sick on Tuesday night when they beat Wales 3-0. But the defender has been in fine form for Arsenal in the Premier League this season. White played both as a center half and as a right back. Although it could have been a good option for Southgate, he will now fly home.
With it too late for England to name a replacement for the versatile center-back, manager Gareth Southgate is left with just 25 players for the remainder of the World Cup. England will play Senegal in the Round of 16 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday night.
Ben, 25, has also played just four international friendlies for his national team. However, White’s performances for Arsenal this season earned him a call-up to England’s World Cup squad.
England, who are not currently understood to have any injuries and have not received a yellow card so far during the tournament, will have to show they can cope with White’s absence.
