Thomas Tuchel insists there is “no reason to doubt” Ben White’s commitment to England after the Arsenal defender was booed again at Wembley.
White came on as a substitute for Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia on Thursday night and was jeered by sections of the crowd, although the reaction was more muted than on previous occasions.
The 29-year-old has faced boos since returning to the squad under Tuchel in March, having left the 2022 World Cup camp in Qatar for personal reasons and then made himself unavailable for the rest of Gareth Southgate’s time in charge.
Asked at his post-match press conference whether the negative reaction could drive White away again, Tuchel said: “I don’t think so. I don’t want to make it bigger than it is. He seemed to me always committed and always dedicated and excited to come into camp and get the call-up.
“He had too many injuries. No, I don’t hope so. He’s a high-quality player and I honestly don’t even know what happened and what were the deep reasons in the situation that he left camp.”
The England head coach added: “Like I said, until I’m in charge there is no reason to doubt his commitment or his passion, and I don’t want to think in these extreme terms at the moment.
“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. That’s why I don’t want to think about this at the moment.”
Earlier this week White told ESPN that supporters would not boo him if they knew the full story behind his departure from Qatar, and that he was looking forward to his England career continuing.
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