England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed by a section of supporters during the Three Lions’ 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.
White left the England camp midway through the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to personal reasons and subsequently remained unavailable for selection during Gareth Southgate’s tenure. His departure was reportedly linked to a disagreement with assistant coach Steve Holland.
The 29-year-old returned to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel in March 2026. But, he was booed by some supporters during the friendly against Uruguay at Wembley. The defender recently said the fans don’t know the whole story, but he doesn’t want to share what happened in 2022.
Asked if there was a danger White could decide to quit England again, Tuchel said: “I don’t think so. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is. I don’t think so. I don’t hope so. He seems to be always committed and always dedicated and excited to come to camp and get the call-up.
“He had too many injuries. No, I don’t hope so. He is a high-quality player and I honestly don’t even know what happened and what were the deep reasons and the situation that he left camp.
“Since I am in charge, there is no reason to doubt his commitment, his passion. I don’t want to think in these extreme terms at the moment. He overcame the boos the last time. I didn’t hear them this time. He can play on a high level. He proves it week in, week out for Arsenal. That’s why I don’t want to think about it at the moment.”
Meanwhile, White was booed at the same time Croatia’s Luka Modric was cheered onto the pitch.
“I heard the claps for Luka Modric, which is nice because he deserves it,” Tuchel said. “He’s a legend of the game, but I honestly didn’t hear the boost for Ben and I thought we were past that chapter.
“I hope it doesn’t happen again. He’s a player of ours. Since I’m in charge, he’s desperate to come and to 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 highest level, and he can really help us to win football matches.
“Like I said, he’s part of our group, and we will protect our group, and are protective of our group. He deserves to be with us and, yeah, I hope we can open a new chapter for him.”
England will face World Cup champions Spain on Sunday.
