Harry Maguire says Ben White "trained really well" before leaving England's World Cup squad in Qatar.
"Ben’s an excellent footballer," the Manchester United centre-back told The Times when asked about White’s decision ahead of England’s friendly with Brazil.
"He trained really well [at the World Cup before heading home early] but I honestly don’t know the ins and outs of why he’s not wanting to be in the squad at the moment."
White was notably absent from England’s 25-man squad to take on Brazil and Belgium this month, with Gareth Southgate revealing that the 26-year-old had asked not to be considered for selection through Arsenal’s sporting director Edu.
The Arsenal defender has not featured at international level since leaving the Three Lions’ training camp early at the 2022 World Cup, when reports of a bust-up with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland hit the headlines.
