Revealed: Ben White's inability to answer Arsenal question led to World Cup exit and subsequent England snub after Steve Holland jibe

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, White was asked a question in front of his team-mates by Holland regarding Arsenal's performance and was unable to answer, The Telegraph reports. Holland is said to have responded by saying that was a result of the defender not being interested in football - something the player has hinted in the past but insists was taken out of context - and White asked to be allowed to leave the team's camp and return to England days later.

The Football Association said that White had left the team due to "personal reasons" but he has not returned to the national team since. White was not named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium and Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that the player has asked to be omitted.

Southgate has denied that White's relationship with Holland is behind the player's decision to make himself unavailable for selection for the time being. The report says the FA, Arsenal and White's representatives have all declined to comment on the situation.

It is not yet known if White will declare himself ready to be called up for Three Lions duty anytime soon. While the national team will take on Brazil and Belgium at Wembley, the 26-year-old will prepare for Arsenal's next game - against Manchester City on March 31.