Arsenal defender Ben White was greeted with boos when he came on as a substitute for England against Uruguay.
Thomas Tuchel surprised many people when he called the Englishman to the senior squad, over three years after he walked out on them during the World Cup in Qatar.
White is said to have had a falling out with Steve Holland at the time, which made him decide against playing for England from that point on.
However, after Tuchel got the job, White was ready to return, and he got his opportunity on Friday night.
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Thomas Tuchel reacts to England fans booing Ben White
Ben White’s return to the England setup was always going to spark a debate.
The former Brighton man came under a lot of criticism when he refused a call-up a few years ago, and some fans didn’t want him to be given another opportunity.
Even Henry Winter was not happy that White was recalled to the England squad.
On Friday night at Wembley, after White got booed by some fans, Tuchel was asked about his thoughts. The Three Lions boss said that he was disappointed.
“I heard that he was booed,” Tuchel said in his press conference, as relayed on HaytersTV.
“I didn’t hear it actually on the field because I was involved in the changes and instructions, so I didn’t hear it. So, I think then it cannot be the majority.
“There were some boos and some mixed reception for him, which I am disappointed about because, of course, we protect our players, and he was excellent in camp.
“He deserved to come on. He also deserved to start and got us almost the winner, but I also understood that it happened to other players before here.
“He needs to take it on the chin. We will always protect him, and hopefully we can put it behind [us] because he is ready to write some new chapters, and we are ready to give him the chance. So, hopefully, everyone can move on and accept it.”
How would you rate Ben White’s performance on his England return vs Uruguay?
Scored a goal, conceded a penalty and picked up a yellow card all in 21 minutes
England fans must accept Ben White back
Arsenal fans absolutely love White, and that’s not without reason.
Yes, some of his antics during games make him a fan favourite, but the biggest reason why he is adored is his ability on the pitch.
White has put his body on the line to help Arsenal over the years, and he has done an incredible job more often than not.
There is no reason why the defender can’t do the same for England at the World Cup this summer.
That is why the supporters must forget about the past and give him all the support he needs. If they do, we’re convinced that they will not regret it.
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