Ben White booed by England fans in dramatic goalscoring return after four-year absence

Ben White was booed by England fans as he made his return to the squad after a four-year absence in Friday’s friendly against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium.

Why Ben White was booed by England fans

White had not played for the Three Lions since March 2022, leaving England’s World Cup camp later that year following a reported disagreement with then-assistant manager Steve Holland, now working under Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

The Arsenal defender then declared himself “unavailable for selection” for the remainder of Gareth Southgate’s tenure, which ended after the 2024 European Championship.

White was not selected by interim coach Lee Carsley and had not been called up by Thomas Tuchel until this month. The German revealed the 28-year-old had been “very euphoric,” “very positive” and “emotional” when offered the chance to return, but admitted White would have to “clear the air with team-mates” after leaving the squad mid-World Cup.

Mixed reception at Wembley

The reaction of some England fans to White’s second-half introduction as a substitute against Uruguay suggests they are not ready to forgive and forget just yet. Ironically, White opened the scoring for the hosts in the 81st minute, prodding the ball into the net from close range from a corner.  

White won just his fifth cap for his country in Friday’s game. His return was also a factor in Tuchel controversially opting not to select Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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