Scandal at the friendly with Uruguay » He was booed by the English fans, applauded at the goal and whistled at the end at Wembley!
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Saturday, March 28, 2026, 2:10 p.m. / Updated Saturday, March 28, 2026, 2:14 p.m.
The selector Thomas Tuchel on Friday defended Ben White, whom the supporters of the England national team challenged at the beginning and in extra time of the friendly match with Uruguay (1-1). The German from Albion's technical bench was disappointed by the reaction of the Wembley crowd to the return of the 28-year-old defender.
Ben White hadn't worn the shirt of the England representative for exactly four years, since a test against Cote d'Ivoire (3-0). Friday evening, also in a friendly game, Arsenal's right-back returned to the national team but had a bruising evening with mixed feelings.
In 21 minutes, Ben White opened the scoring and scored the penalty from which England were equalized by Uruguay!
Thomas Tuchel used an experimental formula, making two changes forced by injuries to Noni Madueke and Phil Foden. In the 69th minute, the German decided to send Ben White into the field instead of Fikayo Tomori.
But the Arsenal defender was not at all well received at “Wembley”. The fans did not forget that this one he voluntarily left England training camp during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has since turned down call-ups.
Ben White opened the scoring from the small box in the 81st minute of the friendly England – Uruguay 1-1 / Photo: Imago
A part of the supporters did not forgive him, and upon entering the field they reacted with boos and whistles. White responded in the best possible way. In the 81st minute, Ben followed up a Cole Palmer corner and opened the scoring.
Unfortunately for him, he was also involved in the Uruguayan's equaliser. Federico Valverde converted a penalty in extra time, dictated after the VAR analysis, following White's foul in the box on Federico Vinas.
Thomas Tuchel: “The fans let me down but I hope it was just part of the audience. I think that doesn't help anyone”
Sven Jablonski's decisions infuriated Tuchel, who complained about two penalty kicks not being awarded to England: “The referee saw the situations but didn't show the limelight. I was surprised that the VAR system worked at all, as the interventions on Foden and Madueke went unnoticed”.
Thomas Tuchel has 11 matches as England coach and a contract until after Euro 2028 / Photo: Imago
The German coach also referred to the whistles directed at White, including after the penalty awarded to the guests. “I'm disappointed but it must have been just part of the audience. I don't think that helps anyone.
It has happened to other players in the past, they probably just have to accept it and focus on the future,” said Tuchel, who, despite the draw, was pleased with the team's performance.
