Ben White endured a dramatic return to international football as England drew 1-1 with Uruguay in a friendly at Wembley. The Arsenal defender was greeted with jeers when he came on as a 68th-minute substitute, a reaction stemming from his departure from the 2022 World Cup squad and subsequent two-year absence from international duty.
White opened the scoring in the 81st minute, tapping in from close range after a corner from Cole Palmer was flicked on. It was his first England goal on his fifth cap, but the announcement of his name was again met with boos from sections of the crowd. The goal was subject to a VAR check for obstruction by Adam Wharton, but was allowed to stand.
However, White's moment turned sour in stoppage time when he conceded a penalty for a challenge on Federico Viñas. After a VAR review, the spot-kick was awarded and Federico Valverde converted to level the score. Thomas Tuchel described the decision as 'soft' and questioned the consistency of VAR, noting that Uruguay's Ronald Araújo was not sent off for a dangerous tackle on Phil Foden.
The match was marred by several injuries. Noni Madueke limped off in the 37th minute after a heavy challenge and later left the stadium in a knee brace. Foden was substituted after Araújo's tackle, while Uruguay's Joaquín Piquerez was taken off on a stretcher following a tackle by Madueke in the first half.
Tuchel fielded an experimental lineup with no survivors from the previous match against Albania. England struggled to create chances in a first half that saw little attacking threat, with James Garner impressing on his debut and Dominic Solanke having a few wayward efforts. The crowd resorted to making paper aeroplanes out of boredom.
Harry Maguire, also returning after a long absence, made a crucial late block to deny Uruguay a winner. The result leaves England with a mixed performance in Tuchel's first friendly, with several talking points ahead of their next fixture.
