Ben White left the England squad for the FIFA World Cup on November 30 citing personal reasons. The 25-year-old defender has been a consistent performer for Arsenal since he joined from Brighton and Hove Albion on the 2021 summer transfer.
He has played 56 games (in all competitions) for the Gunners so far, registering two assists. His performances at the Emirates Stadium also impressed Gareth Southgate, who included him in England’s 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. White has represented England four times so far.
Gunners defender Ben White has broken his silence after leaving England’s FIFA World Cup squad prematurely. White joined his Arsenal teammates in Dubai for a mid-season training camp ahead of the Premier League restart later this month.
The 25-year-old defender posted three photos of himself training with his teammates, captioned ‘We back baby’. This is the first time White has posted anything on his social media account since he returned from Qatar.
What did Gareth Southgate say?
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Ben White failed to make a single appearance for England at the World Cup. White was reported to have been unhappy at the Three Lions and had fallen out with Steve Holland, Gareth Southgate’s assistant.
However, Southgate dismissed such claims. He said: “What they have shown me was alleged and there was another word that was used [in the article]. I think by commenting on the story I might be giving it some form of credibility, really. “We explained why Ben left camp and I think it’s important that that be respected, really.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate’s future in England is under great scrutiny after the Three Lions’ elimination from the competition. The former Middlesbrough manager has been in charge of England since 2016.
Arsenal interested in Matheus Cunha
According to Athletic, Arsenal are interested in signing Atlético Madrid striker Matheus Cunha. The Gunners are monitoring him to replace Gabriel Jesus, who recently suffered a knee injury. Jesus is likely to remain on the sidelines for the next three months.
Cunha has impressed with his performances since joining Madrid from Hertha Berlin in 2021. He has scored seven goals in 54 appearances for Atlético so far.
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Can Morocco pull off another miracle?
Leeds United, Wolves, Everton and Aston Villa have also shown interest in acquiring his services. Mikel Arteta needs to act faster to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
