Gareth Southgate refused to comment on reports Ben White left the England camp due to a bust-up with Steve Holland.

The Arsenal defender left England’s Al Wakrah base after the group stage win over Wales without making appearance for Southgate’s side.

Ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final meeting with France, media reports have claimed the 25-year-old was involved in a heated exchange with Southgate’s No.2 Holland in front of the rest of the squad.

An FA statement confirmed earlier this month White had left due to “personal reasons”.

White’s departure came too late for Southgate to call-up a replacement, leaving him with 25 players for the rest of the tournament.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with the world champions, Southgate 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 that is respected, really.”