Arjun Menon
Tuchel Expresses Disappointment as England Fans Boo Ben White Despite Goal Against Uruguay
Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment after England supporters booed Ben White during Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay at Wembley. White made his first international appearance since the 2022 World Cup, returning from a self-imposed exile that lasted nearly four years.
The Arsenal right-back endured a turbulent cameo, scoring England‘s 81st-minute opener before conceding the stoppage-time penalty that Federico Valverde converted to salvage a draw for the visitors.
Mixed Reception and Controversial Finish
White was loudly jeered when his name was announced after his maiden senior international goal. The 28-year-old left the World Cup in Qatar during the knockout phase due to what the Football Association called “personal reasons.” Reports later emerged of an alleged altercation with England assistant Steve Holland, something repeatedly denied by then manager Gareth Southgate, who revealed in 2024 that White had made himself unavailable for international selection.
Tuchel addressed the hostile reception directly: “This happened before to some players here, which is disappointing because I don’t think it helps anyone. There was a mixed reaction. It was too good to be true when he scored the ‘winner’, which in the end was not a winner.”
The manager disputed the penalty decision. “In the end, he was perhaps too greedy in his defensive actions, but it was not a penalty,” Tuchel stated.
Maguire Defends White’s Performance
Harry Maguire, making his first international appearance for 18 months, came to White’s defence. “A bit crazy, scoring the first goal. I thought he was brilliant when he came on,” the centre-back said. “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.”
Maguire also criticised the penalty award. “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. 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.”
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