Thomas Tuchel responds to England fans booing Arsenal defender Ben White

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Ben White of England reacts during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) — Ben White was booed by some England fans after making his first Three Lions appearance in four years (Getty)

Thomas Tuchel admits he was ‘disappointed’ by England fans booing Arsenal defender Ben White during the friendly against Uruguay on Friday night.

White made his first appearance for England in four years as he came off the bench to score the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley.

The Arsenal defender had made himself unavailable for selection following a bust-up with Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland during England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.

White declined a call up by Southgate for the international break in March 2024 and subsequently missed England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

The 28-year-old has now reversed his decision following Tuchel’s appointment but after making his return on Friday night, a section of England supporters booed him as he was brought on as a second-half substitute.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Ben White (C) of England is congratulated by team-mates Jarrod Bowen (L) and Harry Maguire after scoring the opening goal during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) — Ben White scored England’s goal in their 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday (Getty)

‘I heard he was booed, I didn’t hear it actually on the field because I was involved in the changes and the instructions, so I didn’t hear it, so I think it cannot be the majority,’ Tuchel said after England’s draw.

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‘There were some boos and a mixed reception for him which I’m disappointed about because of course we protect our players and he was excellent in camp and he deserved to come on, and he also deserved to start, and he almost got us a winner.

‘But I also understood it happened to other players before here so he needs to take it on the chin, we will always protect him and hopefully we can put it behind because he is ready to write some new chapters.

‘We are ready to give him the chance so hopefully everyone can move on an accept it.’

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Thomas Tuchel responds to England fans booing Arsenal defender Ben White | Football

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