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Arsenal star Ben White was absent from the England squad’s training session ahead of their crucial match against Wales at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
THE LOWDOWN: BLOW FOR ARSENAL STAR
White, who is yet to play a single minute at the tournament, missed training due to illness and is unlikely to take part in the game against Wales at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Wakrah.
This is an unfortunate blow for the Arsenal fan favourite, who was expected to play in the game with England manager Gareth Southgate planning to rest some of his key players for the tie.
Meanwhile, England are top of the log in Group B. They will qualify with a win or a draw against Wales, thanks to their advantageous goal difference. They will also qualify as long as they avoid a 4-0 defeat to their United Kingdom neighbours on Tuesday evening.
THE LATEST: ABSENT
Ben White could miss the game on Tuesday but the Three Lions fans will get to see some other players for whom they clamoured to play in the match. Leicester City man James Maddison is a shoo-in to start the game as his recovery from a slight knock progresses.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, whose position in the heart of the team’s midfield has been usurped by the enigmatic teenager Jude Bellingham, is also due to start his first game at the ongoing tournament.
Manchester City man Phil Foden is one player that fans will be desperate to see on the pitch against Wales. The 22-year-old was an unused substitute against the USA to the chagrin of fans and pundits, who believed that Southgate missed a beat by not fielding the youngster.
THE VERDICT: HOPING FOR CHANCES
England currently lead the way in Group B but a tricky run of results mean they could finish in second place and even ultimately miss out on qualification.
Should England progress, Southgate will only want to field his strongest XI as the competition progress, meaning a slim chance for White to feature at the Mundial.
