World Cup 2022: England Star Leaves Tournament Prematurely and Won’t Return

• England defender Ben White has left the World Cup squad in Qatar and flown home
• The 25-year-old was yet to feature for the Three Lions at the football showpiece
• White is not expected to return to Qatar for the remainder of the tournament

Arsenal defender Ben White has cut short his 2022 World Cup campaign with England after flying back home from Qatar.

White was among the 26 players named in Gareth Southgate's team for the tournament, which kicked off on Sunday, November 20.

However, despite his inclusion in the team, the Arsenal centre-back was yet to make an appearance for the Three Lions at the ongoing tournament.

The former Brighton star was named as a substitute in two of England's openers against Iran and the USA, but failed to make the squad in the final Group B fixture against Wales.

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Ben White leaves Qatar

The 25-year-old has now left Qatar with England still firmly in the tournament, after they booked a spot in the last 16.

The development was confirmed by the FA, who divulged that the player had left for personal reasons and is unlikely to return.

"Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons," the statement said via The Sun.

The FA confirmed the Arsenal defender was not expected back in the Middle East for the remainder of the tournament.

Meanwhile, England are scheduled to take on Senegal in the knockout round, with Gareth Southgate expected to partner Harry Maguire and John Stones at the heart of his defence.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Senegal have discovered their 2022 World Cup opponents for the last of 16 of the tournament.

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The west African nation stunned Ecuador 2-1 to sail through, with Kalidou Koulibaly emerging as the match hero.

Senegal will now be coming up against England in the round of 16 of the global football showpiece, in a crunch clash set to be played on Sunday, December 4, at the Al Bayt Stadium.