sport news England boss Gareth Southgate says Ben White's absence should be 'respected' trends now
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Gareth Southgate has refused to comment on claims surrounding Ben White's absence from the England squad and insisted the defender must be 'respected'.
White, 25, returned to the UK last week for what was said to be personal reasons - with the Football Association having remained tight-lipped on the exact reasoning. However, reports emerged earlier this week alleging the reason was a bust up during training.
The Daily Star claimed the Arsenal defender's departure was because of a row with Steve Holland - Southgate's longstanding No 2 - but the England boss has since denied the claim.
Reports claimed Ben White's World Cup exit followed a major bust-up with Steve Holland (R)
Gareth Southgate has refused to comment on the absence of Arsenal defender Ben White
Southgate told talkSPORT: 'Well, not really. 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.'
According to the newspaper, Holland was unimpressed by White's lack of preparedness in a pre-USA team meeting, with the former
