Ben White leaves England’s World Cup squad in Qatar and returns home for ‘personal reasons’

Ben White has flown home from England’s World Cup campaign over a personal matter.

The FA confirmed on Wednesday night that the defender, who is yet to feature 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 due to ‘personal reasons’

‘Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons,’ read the statement.

‘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.’ 

His club on Wednesday night tweeted: ‘We’re all with you, Ben.’

White did not feature in the first two Group B matches and missed Tuesday’s win against Wales

Southgate will not call up a replacement.

The Three Lions boss already has defensive cover for first choice pairing Harry Maguire and John Stones with Conor Coady and Eric Dier.

White has also played right-back for Arsenal this season but Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold can fill that position for England.

White, who has been capped four times by the Three Lions, was called up into the World Cup squad following his impressive form for Arsenal this season.

White’s fiancee Milly Adams attended the group game against the USA on Friday night

The defender had started all 14 Premier League games before the World Cup break, helping his side to the top of the table.

His fiancee Milly Adams, 25, attended the group game against the USA on Friday night.

The couple shared an online black and white snap of Ben going down on one knee to propose earlier this year.