England defender Ben White has left the World Cup training base to return home for “personal reasons”. The Arsenal defender is unlikely to re-join the squad for the remainder of the match. The 25-year-old was added to Gareth Southgate’s 26-man World Cup roster following a great start to the season with the Gunners. White missed England’s first two Group B games because of illness, and he missed Tuesday’s 3-0 win against Wales as well. England will play Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday after their victory in Group B.
“At this time, we request that the player’s privacy be maintained,” a statement from the Football Association read announcing the departure of Ben White from the England training base. “Ben, we’re all behind you.”
After being a member of the team that advanced to the European Championship final the summer before, White took part in his second significant competition with England. Only two caps have been awarded to the defender after the incident, increasing his total to four. He didn’t participate in the game. Southgate had not changed his previous decision prior to the White news.
James Maddison looked apprehensive after being removed from Leicester’s final game, but he was on the Wales bench after recovering from the knee injury that kept him out of the first two games. Kyle Walker started Tuesday’s match between England and Wales after having groin surgery in October. In addition, Kalvin Phillips played a little bit as he continues to recuperate from a shoulder injury.
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