Tuchel backs Ben White after England defender booed at Wembley

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed by some supporters during England’s 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.

White came on as a substitute for his first England appearance since March, but sections of the crowd reacted negatively when he entered the game. The response contrasted with the applause given to Croatia midfielder Luka Modric when he was substituted.

The 28-year-old has remained a divisive figure among some England supporters since leaving the national team’s 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar early for personal reasons. White then made himself unavailable for selection under former manager Gareth Southgate, and did not return before Southgate left his role after Euro 2024.

Tuchel, who took charge of England after that tournament, said White had earned his place in the squad and had shown a strong commitment to the team since his appointment.

“I didn’t hear the boos for Ben and I thought we were past that chapter,” Tuchel said. “I hope it doesn’t happen again. He’s a player of ours. Since I’m in charge he’s desperate to come and be with the group.”

The England manager said White’s work in training had also convinced him the defender could make an important contribution on the pitch.

“I can only judge him on what I see and what I experienced and it is on the highest level and he can really help us to win football matches,” Tuchel added. “He’s part of our group and we will protect our group. He deserves to be with us.”

Tuchel also rejected the suggestion that the reception at Wembley could discourage White from representing England again. He said the defender had consistently appeared eager to join the squad and respond to international selection.

“I don’t think so. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is,” he said. “He seemed to me always committed and always dedicated and excited to come into camp and get a call-up. There is no reason to doubt his commitment or his passion.”

White’s return came as England secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League, but the attention after the match centred on the reaction from the Wembley crowd and Tuchel’s public support for the defender.

The manager made clear that his assessment of White would be based on his conduct with the current England group, rather than the circumstances surrounding his earlier departure from the national team.