Ben White leaves World Cup for personal reasons

Ben White has left England's squad for personal reasons and is set to miss the rest of the World Cup.

The Arsenal centre-back missed the Group B win over Wales on Monday through illness after being an unused substitute against Iran and USA.

"Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons," read a statement from the Football Association.

"The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament.  We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time."

White was rewarded for his form with the Premier League leaders this season with a place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Qatar, with his versatility at being playing right-back and centre-back making him a useful addition to the squad.

It was in March when he played against Ivory Coast and was shifted to right-back during the match, which was his last cap for England.

After arriving in Doha he spoke about how he was relishing taking the next step up after loans in the lower leagues during his time at Brighton, then playing regularly in the top-flight and earning a move to Arsenal.

“I think it is something which has continued in my career. I believe in myself. I have worked hard to get here. I don’t think I have done it an easy way. I think it is just being consistent, believing in what I do,” he said at the time.

England kick-off the knockout phase with a last-16 clash against Senegal on Sunday after topping Group B.

No replacements can be made at this stage of the World Cup and Arsenal shared the FA's statement on their social media channels, along with the caption "We're all with you, Ben" and a love heart emoji.