England boss Thomas Tuchel defended Ben White following boos from sections of the Wembley crowd during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay. White, making his first England appearance since leaving the Qatar World Cup in 2022, faced boos when substituted on and again when his name was announced after scoring his first international goal in the 81st minute.
The Arsenal defender later conceded a stoppage-time penalty that led to Uruguay’s equalizer.
England boss Thomas Tuchel defends Ben White after Wembley boos (Sky Sports, 01:59 UK)
Tuchel’s Post-Match Reaction to the Boos
“I heard that he was booed,” Tuchel said in his post-match press conference. “I didn’t hear it actually on the field because I was involved in the changes and instructions, so I didn’t hear it so I think then it cannot be the majority.
“There were some boos and some mixed reception for him, which I am disappointed about because of course we protect our players and he was excellent in camp and he deserved to come on.
“He deserved also to start and got us almost the winner, but I also understood that it happened to other players before here.
“He needs to take it on the chin. We will always protect him and hopefully we can put it behind [us] because he is ready to write some new chapters and we are ready to give him the chance, so hopefully everyone can move on and accept it.”
Background on White’s Controversial Return
White’s call-up as a replacement for Jarell Quansah sparked controversy. Tuchel acknowledged the defender must “clear the air” with teammates after exiting the 2022 World Cup early for personal reasons. He had rejected a subsequent call-up from Gareth Southgate following a disagreement with then-assistant boss Steve Holland.
This self-imposed international exile ended under Tuchel’s charge, marking White’s first involvement with the national team since then.
The boos delivered a strong message from England fans to Tuchel and White: many have not forgiven the player for declining opportunities to represent the country, and many believe he should not be in contention for a 2026 World Cup spot.
Historic Moment: Booed After Scoring at Wembley
Has an England player ever been booed after scoring for their country at this stadium? It happened now. This marked a significant statement from supporters. Tuchel correctly noted that other England players have faced boos at Wembley previously, such as Jordan Henderson after signing to play in Saudi Arabia.
Henderson, now at Brentford and no longer booed, started the Uruguay game as captain—a reminder of shifting narratives.
Questions remain about whether “new chapters” for White will include the World Cup. White entered as an injury replacement. Tuchel explained selecting White over Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his fit as a right-back profile.
White ranked lower in the pecking order and played at center-back against Uruguay. Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa will return for the Japan game, competing for central defense spots, where White also trails.
His versatility keeps him in the mix, but Tuchel may question if the surrounding noise and disruption make White worth taking to the World Cup this summer. Wembley fans made their preference clear.
Tuchel on the Penalty Decision
“I think it’s a very soft penalty. Of course there is contact, but it’s so obvious what the striker is trying to do.
“Maybe Ben is also a bit greedy in this moment, but to overturn a decision when the referee clearly, clearly made the signal with both hands that he saw it and it was not enough for him.
“Then to overturn it I was surprised VAR is in place because I thought it’s not working, because the tackle on Phil Foden was not even checked, tackle against Noni not even checked.
“And then suddenly, this one was checked. OK, like I said, I don’t think it’s enough, but OK, it is what it is.
“I heard that our goal was a tough block before our goal. I haven’t seen it, so, yeah, overall, that’s what it is.”
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