Tuchel urges England fans to open 'new chapter' for booed Ben White after Croatia win

Thomas Tuchel has called on England supporters to move on from their hostility toward Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed again during Thursday’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Croatia at Wembley.

White, 29, came off the bench late in the match only to be met with jeers from sections of the crowd — a reaction Tuchel said he had not anticipated. “I thought we were past that chapter,” the England head coach said. “I hope it doesn’t happen again. He’s a player of ours.”

The hostility stems from White’s departure from England’s 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar during the knockout phase, which the defender cited as being for “personal reasons”. Reports at the time suggested a falling-out with then-assistant coach Steve Holland, though White has consistently declined to elaborate publicly. Speaking this week, the defender said supporters would react differently if they knew the full story, but added he refused to “throw anyone under the bus”.

White only returned to the England set-up when Tuchel took charge in March, when he was also booed during friendlies before subsequently missing further international duty through injury. Thursday’s reception was described as less hostile than those earlier occasions.

Tuchel was adamant the renewed scrutiny would not prompt White to withdraw from international football again. “He seemed to me always committed and always dedicated and excited to come into camp and get the call-up,” the coach said. “I don’t want to think in these extreme terms at the moment. He overcame the boos the last time.”

The Germany-born coach was emphatic in his backing for the defender, pointing to his consistent club form as justification for his place in the squad. “He can really help us to win football matches,” Tuchel said. “He proves it week in, week out for Arsenal. Since I’m in charge, he doesn’t put a foot wrong.”

Tuchel also noted the warm reception given to Croatia substitute Luka Modric, contrasting it with the reaction White received. “I heard the claps for Luka Modric, which is nice because he deserves it — he’s a legend of the game,” he said, “but I honestly didn’t hear the boos for Ben.”

The White situation provided a subplot to a night that also saw Harry Kane make his record-breaking 126th England appearance.