Tuchel ‘disappointed’ with boos for Ben White in England’s draw with Uruguay | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel says he was “disappointed” with some fans booing Ben White when he was brought on for England in their 1-1 draw with Uruguay.

White was called up for the England squad for the first time since he chose to leave the camp during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

His introduction was met with some boos from supporters, before the Arsenal defender tapped in from close range to open the scoring but then gave away a penalty as England drew 1-1 in the friendly.

“I didn’t hear it, so I think it cannot be the majority,” Tuchel said on the boos. “There was some boos and a mixed reception for him which I’m disappointed about because of course we protect our players and he was excellent in camp and deserved to come on or start.

“He almost got us 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’s ready to write a new chapter and we are ready to give him the chance.

“Hopefully everybody can move on and accept it.”

Tuchel was also left angry with the referee’s performance in the game – specifically his decision to award the penalty and not send off Ronald Araujo for a heavy challenge on Phil Foden.

He was also confused why Manuel Ugarte was not sent off after the midfielder appeared to be shown two yellow cards in the game.

“I think it’s a very soft penalty,” he said. “Of course there is contact but it’s so obvious what the striker is trying to do.

“Ben is maybe a bit greedy in this moment but to overturn the decision when the referee clearly made the signal that he saw it and it was not enough for him, I was surprised VAR is in place because I thought it’s not working.

“The tackle on Phil Foden was not even checked. The tackle on Noni (Madueke) was not even checked. Then suddenly this one was checked. I don’t think it’s enough but it is what it is.

“I think it was not a good performance at all throughout the match (from the referee). I cannot understand that a tackle like this is not even checked and I think the penalty in the end was very, very soft.

“There was also a debate that a player (Ugarte) got two yellow cards in the match and was not sent off. Bad day at the office.”