The key reason behind Ben White's decision to leave the England squad at the World Cup has finally been revealed, according to a new report.
White was not included in the Three Lions squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, and hasn't featured for England since 2022.
In his post-squad selection press conference, Southgate revealed that a member of England's senior staff had received a phone call from Arsenal sporting director Edu, confirming that the Gunners defender was not available.
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In the same press conference, Southgate reiterated that there was no issue between White and Steve Holland, England's assistant manager.
The Athletic have since claimed that the pair had an exchange during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with the Arsenal defender returning home from the squad due to 'personal reasons' days later.
And The Telegraph have now claimed that there was indeed an exchange between White and Holland, which took place alongside other members of the squad.
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It is alleged that the conversation began with Holland asking Kyle Walker about Manchester City's performance during the 2021/22 season.
When he asked White the same question about Arsenal, it is claimed that the defender said he didn't know the answer. From there, Holland is said to have responded that was 'because White was not sufficiently interested in football'.
The report adds that, however, that there was no 'row' between White and Holland, with the pair then holding a discussion in private after the initial exchange - and Southgate and his staff believed there was no longer an issue prior to White leaving the England squad.
It is also claimed that the problem appeared to be 'a question of the respect accorded to the player', with the issue 'eventually leading' to White leaving the squad. The report also claims that the issue has 'meant he has chosen not to play subsequently'.
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As per The Athletic, Holland has previously denied reports that there was any angry bust-up, or that he berated White.
He is also said to have claimed that there was no issue between himself and White.
In response to a request for comment by SPORTbible, the FA declined to comment and referred back to Southgate's press conference comments about his squad selection.
SPORTbible has also contacted Ben White's representatives for comment.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: England, Arsenal, Ben White, Gareth Southgate, Football