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By JACK GAUGHAN Published: 10: 17 AEDT, 28 March 2026 | Updated: 10: 19 AEDT, 28 March 2026 4 View comments Thomas Tuchel revealed disappointment at England fans who jeered Ben White on the defender’s return from a self-imposed international exile. A chorus of boos greeted White’s introduction from the bench and then reacted negatively when he nudged the Three Lions ahead during the 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley. On a hectic night, White then gave away a penalty described as ‘soft’ by Tuchel, with Federico Valverde equalising. White left the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a disagreement with former assistant boss Steve Holland and had made himself unavailable for selection until this camp. ‘There was a mixed reception which I’m disappointed about because we protect our players, ’ Tuchel said. ‘He’s been excellent in camp. I understand it’s happened to other players. He needs to take it on the chin. He is ready to write new chapter and hopefully everyone can move on. Ben White (left) was booed by groups of England fans as he made his international return at Wembley on Friday - having famously walked out during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar Thomas Tuchel criticised the Wembley crowd for giving the defender a frosty reception ‘I heard he was booed but I didn’t hear it on the field because I was involved. It cannot be the majority. ’ Tuchel had been apoplectic with referee Sven Jablonski’s leniency all night, seething at wild challenges on Phil Foden and Noni Madueke going unpunished. Both attackers were forced off with injuries that will be checked before decisions are made on the squad for Tuesday’s friendly with Japan. The German official also seemed at one point to have twice cautioned Manuel Ugarte without sending the Manchester United midfielder off, although the first appeared to have been a case of mistaken identity. ‘It was not a good (refereeing) performance at all, ’ Tuchel added. ‘I cannot understand these tackles not being checked. There was a debate about the layer with two yellow cards and not being sent off. ‘It’s a soft penalty. Of course there is contact. (But) it’s so obvious what the striker is trying to do. I was surprised VAR was in place because I thought it wasn’t working – Foden and Noni tackles not even checked. Suddenly this one is checked. ’ Tuchel confirmed that he is yet to make calls on which players will remain in camp before Japan, with the fitness of Jude Bellingham and John Stones needing to be checked. White fired the Three Lions ahead late on, silencing the crowd with what looked like the winner The Arsenal defender then conceded a stoppage-time penalty to hand Uruguay the draw The England boss added that Foden’s defensive work impressed him in training on Thursday as he bids to give the Manchester City man every opportunity to prove his worth ahead of the World Cup squad announcement. And he has decisions to make on the strikers, with Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling to impact the game. ‘I like Solanke’s effort, he worked like a dog as our first defender, ’ Tuchel said. ‘He made a lot of sprints and runs. It took Calvert-Lewin a little bit to get the press right. He had the big chance and he is upset with himself, it was made for him six yards out. He could’ve made a statement straight away. ’
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