Arsenal: Ben White breaks his silence for first time since leaving England’s World Cup camp early

Ben White has broken his silence after he prematurely left England’s World Cup camp in Qatar.

The defender left the Three Lions squad early due to ‘personal reasons’, with England manager Gareth Southgate rubbishing reports that White’s departure was due to a clash with assistant boss Steve Holland.

White has since returned to his club Arsenal and is currently training with Mikel Arteta’s squad out in Dubai. The Gunners star didn’t feature in any of England’s group stage matches before leaving days before their last-16 win over Senegal.

White took to social media to simply say ‘we back baby’ after training with Arsenal in Dubai

And now back with his club as they gear up for the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day, White took to social media to post a short and sweet message for his followers.

‘We back baby’, White posted on Instagram, followed by a smiley emoji, with the captions accompanying pictures of the 25-year-old working out in the gym.

White is still yet to publicly speak about why he left England’s camp so early or address reports of a bust-up with Holland. 

White posted pictures of himself working out in the gym ahead of the Premier League’s return

Southgate, speaking on the supposed bust-up, which was reported by the Daily Star, said: ‘What I’ve been shown was alleged and there was another word that was used.

‘I think by commenting on the story I could be giving it any form of credibility, really. We explained why Ben left the camp and I think it’s important that is respected, really.’

According to the newspaper, Holland was unimpressed by White’s lack of preparedness in a pre-USA team meeting, with the former Leeds and Brighton man reportedly lacking knowledge of his own personal stats. 

Reports claimed White’s World Cup exit was due to a bust-up with Steve Holland (right)

It was also reported that White showed a poor knowledge of England’s opponents, whom they drew 0-0 with in their second group game.

White was also said to have been uncomfortable at England’s base and struggled to gel with his team-mates. 

The decision for him to be released home was mutually agreed, it was reported. 

‘We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time,’ the FA statement said.

White is looking to slot straight back into Arteta’s starting XI after not playing for England

Arsenal posted a Tweet in support of White when his departure from the England camp was announced

His club then tweeted: ‘We’re all with you, Ben.’ Several Arsenal players have since posted messages of support to the 25-year-old on social media.

England may have lost to France on Saturday, but Arsenal return to action on Boxing Day where they will take on West Ham at the Emirates.

White is likely to feature in the game, but Arteta may be without star defender William Saliba amid France’s progression in Qatar.