Ben White’s sudden departure from England’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad in Qatar remains one of the tournament’s most talked-about controversies.
The Arsenal defender was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad following an impressive start to the season. However, White failed to feature in England’s opening two group matches against Iran and the United States before missing the 3-0 victory over Wales on November 29 due to illness.
On November 30, the Football Association confirmed that White had left the team’s training camp in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons, adding that he would not return for the remainder of the tournament. Speculation later emerged that a disagreement with assistant coach Steve Holland had contributed to his departure. Reports suggested tensions arose during a discussion about Arsenal, although neither party publicly confirmed the allegations.
Speaking on the incident, Ben White revealed there was more behind the story: “I think obviously people don’t know the full story, because I [have] never said anything, and I won’t put anyone under the bus or share any of that. “I think that is probably the best way. “It’s been amazing [though], obviously a bit tricky and not straightforward, but it is amazing to be here now,”He he said.
