Ben White England Return Backed By Maguire As Tuchel Seeks To Move On From Controversy

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Ben White’s return to the England team brought a goal, a costly penalty and vocal crowd reaction in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley. White scored after coming on as substitute, but a stoppage-time foul on Federico Vinas led to a VAR-reviewed penalty, converted by Federico Valverde.

Harry Maguire partnered White in central defence late on and strongly defended the Arsenal player after the chaotic finish. Maguire described the spot-kick award as very soft and highlighted White’s impact across the week in camp, saying the defender had earned the recall and the goal.

White was selected by Thomas Tuchel after Jarell Quansah’s injury opened a squad place, with White preferred to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The decision drew attention because White had not played for England since leaving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar during Gareth Southgate’s tenure and later ruling himself out of selection.

The atmosphere around White’s introduction was tense. England supporters jeered when White stepped onto the pitch and again after the goal. Maguire, however, praised White’s attitude, saying: "It was a bit crazy. Obviously he scored the first goal, and I thought he was brilliant when he came on. I can't say anything about that defending [for the penalty], because I'd be there if that was me in that position, attempting to block the shot as well. That's what we've got to do. I think it's a real, real, real soft penalty. He's been really good all week. He's come into the camp and been really positive. He's had a big smile on his face, brought great energy to the camp, and he's got his reward tonight with a goal. I thought he was brilliant when he came on."

Tuchel also disagreed with the late decision, sharing Maguire’s view that the penalty should not have stood. The head coach faced questions about the boos aimed at White but suggested the moment could close a difficult chapter in the defender’s international story and allow the focus to move forward.

Tuchel said: "[The jeers] happened before to some players here, which is disappointing because it helps no-one. I think it was a mixed reaction; some cheered, some booed. I was not even aware of it. People told me now when I was in the tunnel. I didn't hear it. Hopefully it issettled."

The penalty was one of several officiating flashpoints. Manuel Ugarte appeared to receive two yellow cards but stayed on, while Ronald Araujo escaped dismissal after a high, forceful challenge on Phil Foden. Maguire commented: "You don't see tackles like that and not get red cards. There are a couple of months until the World Cup and we've got referees allowing tackles like that. It's disappointing."

The night still marked a significant step for White, who rejoined England after years away and immediately influenced the match. Despite jeers and the disputed penalty incident, White left Wembley with a first international goal and vocal backing from Maguire and Tuchel as preparations continue for the World Cup.