Thomas Tuchel disappointed with England fans booing Ben White: 'I thought we were past that'

Tuchel expressed disappointment at England fans booing Ben White during Thursday's 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia, hoping the defender can move past the controversy from his 2022 World Cup departure.

Thomas Tuchel defended Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed by England supporters during Thursday's 2-1 Nations League victory against Croatia. White, who made himself unavailable for the national team under Gareth Southgate and left Qatar during the 2022 World Cup knockout phase for "personal reasons", returned to the England setup under Tuchel in March.

Tuchel said he did not hear the boos and expressed hope that fans would allow White to "open a new chapter". "I thought we were past that chapter," Tuchel said. "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." The manager noted there were fewer boos than during March's friendlies and expressed confidence White would not withdraw from the squad again if negativity continued.

White has been unavailable for much of the recent period due to injuries but has impressed Tuchel since his appointment. England's win over Croatia secured their place in March's Nations League quarter-finals and sets up a final group match against leaders Spain on Sunday.