Ben White’s England rejection explained | OneFootball

The Telegraph are reporting that Ben White‘s initial withdrawal from the England squad during the World Cup was indeed triggered by a comment made by Gareth Southgate‘s assistant, Steve Holland, questioning White’s interest in football.

Ben White is known for not having an interest in football outside of his job. That shouldn’t be a big deal. Plenty of successful people do not obsess about their employment once they clock off.

The reported exchange between Holland and White, which took place in front of other players, led to White’s request to leave the World Cup camp in Qatar.

The Telegraph write, “Telegraph Sport understands the fall-out that eventually led to White asking to come home from England’s Doha base started with a conversation between the player and Holland in front of other members of the squad.

“It was described by sources as having begun when Holland asked defender Kyle Walker a question relating to Manchester City’s performance in the previous season.

“When he asked the same of White relating to Arsenal, the 26-year-old said that he did not know the answer. It is claimed Holland responded by saying that was because White was not sufficiently interested in football. It was that moment that ultimately led to the player asking to come home.”

Despite a subsequent private conversation between White and Holland, the issue was unresolved, culminating in White’s departure for “personal reasons”.

Southgate has since stated there was no issue between Holland and White, and maintains the player is welcome back, while White has clarified his approach to football, emphasising his commitment during training and matches, despite a different focus outside of his professional environment.

Arsenal, and White’s representatives have not commented on the situation.