Thomas Tuchel said he was disappointed after England fans booed Ben White during Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay.
White got a rough reception from the crowd when he came on as a substitute in the second half at Wembley.
The 28-year-old scored to put England ahead in the 81st minute, but then gave away a penalty in added time, which Federico Valverde converted to earn Uruguay a draw.
It was White’s first England appearance since the 2022 World Cup. The Arsenal right-back left that tournament early for what the FA described as “personal reasons.” It later came out that he had allegedly fallen out with England assistant Steve Holland, though former manager Gareth Southgate always denied this, and later confirmed that White had made himself unavailable for selection.
Now back in the squad, White found that supporters had not forgotten, booing him even after he scored.
“This has happened to other players here before, and it’s disappointing because it doesn’t help anyone,” Tuchel said. He also felt the penalty decision was wrong, saying White was not to blame.
Defender Harry Maguire, also returning to the squad after 18 months away, backed White, calling the penalty “ridiculous” and “soft,” and praising White’s overall performance throughout the week.
