White returns to Arsenal training following early exit from England camp

Ben White has resumed training with Arsenal following his early departure from England’s World Cup camp in Qatar.

The 25-year-old returned home on November 30 “for personal reasons” without playing a single minute in any of England’s three group matches.

Widespread reports suggested White’s premature exit from England’s Al Wakrah headquarters came after a falling out with assistant manager Steve Holland.

Commenting on those rumours earlier this week, Southgate said: “The article written used words like ‘alleged’, so whoever wrote it didn’t feel strongly enough it was correct.

“Ben left for personal reasons. We made that very clear and I think especially in this day and age it is very important that a situation like that is respected.”

England went on to beat Senegal 3-0 in the last 16 but were eliminated by France at the quarter-final stage on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat.

A day on from the Three Lions’ tournament exit, White took part in a training session with Arsenal at their warm-weather camp in Dubai.

Straight back to it pic.twitter.com/jabQEef62d

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 11, 2022

White has started all 14 Premier League games this season for leaders Arsenal, who resume their campaign against West Ham on Boxing Day.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey and United States goalkeeper Matt Turner also resumed training with Mikel Arteta’s side on Sunday following their own World Cup exits.

Arsenal have friendlies with Serie A sides Milan and Juventus to come before facing London rivals West Ham.