Tuchel confident Ben White will not be affected by boos

Thomas Tuchel has backed Ben White not to be affected by more boos from England supporters.

White was booed by some sections of the Wembley crowd after coming on as a substitute in England’s 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia on Thursday.

The 29-year-old only returned to the England setup in March after almost four years away, having previously made himself unavailable following his departure from the 2022 World Cup camp.

Asked whether there was any danger White could step away again, Tuchel said: “I don’t think so. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is.

“He seems to be always committed and always dedicated and excited to come to camp and get the call-up.

“Since I am in charge, there is no reason to doubt his commitment, his passion.

“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.”

White recently suggested supporters may view his previous England absence differently if they knew the full story, but Tuchel is keen to move on from the issue.

“I honestly didn’t hear the boos for Ben and I thought we were past that chapter,” he said.

“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 the highest level, and he can really help us to win football matches.

“He deserves to be with us and I hope we can open a new chapter for him.”