World Cup 2022.. Gareth Southgate demands respect for the England star in his absence

England manager Gareth Southgate has refused to comment on the allegations surrounding Ben White's absence from the England squad, insisting the Arsenal defender must be "respected" in his absence.

The England national team is scheduled to meet its traditional rivals, France, tomorrow evening, Saturday, in the quarter-final matches of the 2022 World Cup, at nine in the evening, Cairo time.

Ben White, 25, had previously returned to Britain over the past week for reasons that were said to be personal, with the Football Association remaining silent on the exact reason.

However, reports emerged earlier this week claiming that it was due to a falling out between Ben White and Steve Holland, Gareth Southgate's assistant.

But the England coach, Gareth Southgate, was keen to reject these allegations a day before facing France in the quarter-finals of the Qatar World Cup.

Gareth Southgate said in statements reported by the famous English network “TalkSPORT”: “Well, not really, what I read are alleged things and are not true.”

And the Three Lions coach concluded: “I think by commenting on the story I can give it any form of credibility, really, we explained why Ben left the camp and I think it is important that he is really respected.”