Tuchel: “I Thought We Were Past Booing White”

Tuchel defends White after Wembley boos in Croatia win

Ben White's England comeback was met with boos at Wembley, but Thomas Tuchel insists there is no doubt over the Arsenal defender's commitment and says he thought that chapter was already closed.

White booed on England return as Tuchel offers support...

England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Ben White after the defender was booed when he came on as a substitute in the 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.

Tuchel told reporters he had not heard the booing, which stood in stark contrast to the applause given to Croatia veteran Luka Modric as he left the pitch, and was widely reported by media present.

The Arsenal defender was featuring for England for the first time since March, having missed the World Cup through injury, and has been targeted by boos before after stepping away from the national team.

He departed the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar early for personal reasons and later ruled himself out for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s reign as England manager, which came to an end after EURO 2024.

“I didn't hear the boos for Ben and I thought we were past that chapter,” Tuchel said after watching captain Harry Kane celebrate a record 126th England cap with a match-winning penalty.

“I hope it doesn't happen again. He's a player of us. Since I'm in charge he's desperate ‌to come and be with the group. He doesn't put a foot wrong since I'm in charge.

“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,” added the German. “Like I said, he's part of our group and we will protect our group. He deserves to be with us.”

Thomas Tuchel defending and Praising Ben white after being booed by England fans. Top manager https://t.co/YJCNZQ4qqZ

— El Granjero AFC 🔴 (@Zly2308) November 13, 2026

Tuchel said he was not concerned White might walk away from the team again if the negative reaction continued.

“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.

“He overcame the boos the last time, I didn't hear them this time.”