Fresh claim emerges over Ben White’s 2022 World Cup exit

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A new theory has emerged regarding Ben White‘s abrupt departure from England’s 2022 World Cup camp, with claims the Arsenal defender was confronted after failing to watch tactical analysis videos.

According to talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham, England’s analysts discovered White hadn’t been watching opponent analysis videos distributed to players on their devices during the tournament in Qatar.

“The players were told to watch videos of opponents and they were given videos on their laptops, iPads, whatever it was. He decided not to and the England analysts knew, because they had the tech, who had and who hadn’t watched the videos. When asked about it, Ben White got really upset about it to the point where he quit England.”

Durham questioned why Thomas Tuchel would want the defender back in the squad if the claims were accurate, stating: “If that is true, why on earth would Thomas Tuchel want him back in the squad when he’s not prepared to put the hard yards in.”

The fresh allegation comes as White made his England return last week, ending a four-year international exile. The 28-year-old had famously left England’s World Cup camp during the group stage, with limited explanation provided at the time.

Controversial comeback

White’s return to the England fold proved eventful during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley. Despite being booed by sections of the crowd when introduced as a substitute, the Arsenal star silenced critics by scoring just 12 minutes after coming on.

However, his redemption story took another twist in added time when he conceded a penalty following a VAR review, allowing Federico Valverde to rescue a draw for Uruguay from the spot.

Former England defender Danny Mills, a close friend of previous manager Gareth Southgate, dismissed suggestions of any wrongdoing by coaching staff during the 2022 tournament.

“There is no way on this planet in four years that if there was a big story that would have not come out because a player would have told an agent or a friend that somebody would know and that story would be out there.”

Mills called for White to provide clarity on his World Cup exit, stating: “Ben White needs to explain why he walked out of an England camp in a World Cup.”

The defender’s last international appearance before his recent recall came against Ivory Coast in March 2022. His return to the England setup occurred as a late replacement for the injured Jarell Quansah during this month’s international break.

White continues to be a key figure for Arsenal, where his consistent performances have helped establish the Gunners as title contenders in recent seasons.