Tuchel left frustrated as English supporters jeer Ben White

n n

England’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel attends a press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur training ground in Enfield, north London on November 12, 2025, ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. (Photo by John Walton / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

n

Thomas Tuchel admitted he was disappointed after England fans booed Ben White on his return from a self-imposed international exile in Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay.

n

White endured a hostile reception when he came off the bench for an eventful second-half appearance at Wembley.

n

The 28-year-old scored England’s 81st-minute opener with a tap-in, then conceded the stoppage-time penalty that Federico Valverde converted to salvage a draw for Uruguay.

n

Playing his first game for England since the 2022 World Cup, the Arsenal right-back was loudly jeered when his name was announced over the tannoy after his maiden senior international goal.

n

White left the World Cup in Qatar four years ago during the knockout phase due to what the Football Association called “personal reasons”.

n

Reports later emerged of an alleged bust-up with England assistant Steve Holland, something repeatedly denied by then manager Gareth Southgate, who revealed in 2024 that White had made himself unavailable for England.

n

Finally recalled to the international fold, White found England supporters were not in a forgiving mood during his chaotic cameo.

n

“This happened before to some players here which is disappointing because I don’t think it helps anyone. There was a mixed reaction,” Tuchel said.

n

“It was too good to be true when he scored the ‘winner’ which in the end was not a winner.

n

“In the end he was perhaps too greedy in his defensive actions but it was not a penalty.”

n

England centre-back Harry Maguire, making his first international appearance for 18 months, also came to White’s defence.

n

“A bit crazy, scoring the first goal. I thought he was brilliant when he came on,” Maguire said.

n

“He’s been good all week, a big smile on his face and he’s brought great energy to the camp. He got his rewards tonight with the goal and I thought he was brilliant when he came on.

n

“It’s a ridiculous penalty. It’s soft. He’s kicked the ball over the bar. Ben just goes to try to block the shot.

n

“It’s not a bad tackle, it’s not malicious. It’s part and parcel of defending in the box. There is going to be contact.”

n

AFP

n n