Ben White Booed At Wembley: Henderson Affirms England Team-Mates Support

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Ben White scored and then conceded a late penalty as England drew 1-1 with Uruguay at Wembley, and Jordan Henderson says the squad will stand behind White after sections of the crowd booed the defender on his international return.

White came off the bench for England for the first time since the 2022 World Cup and netted an 81st-minute close-range finish, before a stoppage-time foul led to Federico Valverde’s equaliser from the spot for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay side.

The Arsenal defender rejoined the Three Lions squad after previously ruling himself out for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s reign, following reports of a training-ground disagreement during the Qatar tournament, and some supporters at Wembley booed when White appeared as a second-half substitute.

White’s goal, his first at international level, briefly changed the mood inside the stadium, yet the defender was then penalised for a challenge deep into added time, allowing Valverde to level and leave Thomas Tuchel’s experimental England team with a draw from the friendly.

Henderson understands the reaction White faced, after receiving boos in 2023 during a friendly against Australia that followed a widely discussed interview explaining Henderson’s decision to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq after leaving Liverpool, and the midfielder says England’s dressing room will look after the defender.

"As team-mates we are always there to support him," Henderson said. "I have been through it myself, but that is part and parcel of being an England player. Some of the fans probably don't even know why they are booing, they listen to what is being said in the media, and a lot of the time what the media says isn't true."

Henderson says most people do not know full details of what happened with White during the World Cup in Qatar and believes those matters should stay within the squad, stressing White’s positive attitude since rejoining the group.

"Not many people know the ins and outs of what happened in Qatar, and it is for us to deal with internally. Ben has been good since he came back in and we will support him as team-mates. A few of us have been there, it is difficult, but you have to try not to take it too personally. The media can spin things in certain ways, which isn't always the truth, and then fans can pick up on that and think it is the truth. It is really difficult when that happens, so it is important for us to make sure he is okay, which I am sure he is. I was delighted he got on and got a goal, which is the most important thing."

After the match, England head coach Tuchel expressed disappointment at the jeers aimed at White and suggested the defender’s performance, which included the late goal, could help close that chapter for both the player and supporters.

England vs Uruguay context and upcoming England fixtures

Opta statistics show White is now the 34th Arsenal player to score for England, putting the club level with Manchester United and Aston Villa for the highest number of different scorers for the national team from a single side.

England now turn attention to further World Cup preparations under Tuchel, with another friendly against Japan on Tuesday at Wembley, before a final warm-up fixture against Costa Rica in June as the coach continues to shape the squad and systems for the tournament.

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