Ben White: Jurgen Klinsmann is right, Arsenal defender should not be booed for standing up for himself
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Credit: Imago, ESPN on YouTube Sat 28 March 2026 21:00, UK Ben White was booed as he made his return to the England team on Friday, but the Arsenal defender did what anyone should in his situation.The 28-year-old was controversially selected for the squad by Thomas Tuchel, almost four years after he left the English World Cup camp in Qatar.White is not expected to go to North America this summer, but the mere sight of him making an appearance for the Three Lions prompted boos from much of Wembley as his name was read out.The former Brighton man would go on to score England’s opener, before giving away a penalty that allowed Federico Valverde to equalise in stoppage time. Friday’s scenes have provoked plenty of debate around the Arsenal defender, but fans should ask themselves why they were booing in the first place. ⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture.
VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES What Jurgen Klinsmann said about Ben WhiteFootball Insider exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Arsenal are ready to sell White this summer as part of their plans to rebuild.The defender is still struggling with the extensive injury issues that have plagued him over the last two seasons, although he has looked back towards the player he once was at several points of the campaign.Ben WhitePremier League 2025-26Appearances7Assists1Chances created6Tackles13Recoveries18Duels won28His inclusion in Tuchel’s squad spoke to that form, and the defender’s return should have been a night of celebration, but it was instead marred by boos from the stands.Speaking to ESPN on Friday, Tottenham legend and World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann sympathised with White’s situation. “And also from Thomas Tuchel saying: ‘Listen, I wasn’t there when they had issues there way back, so now let’s move forward’.”England fans should reassess White situationTo this day, the full truth around White’s departure from the 2022 World Cup remains unknown.
EXCL Ben White, and the exchange in Qatar with Steve Holland in 2022 that led eventually to the Arsenal defender withdrawing from international football.Full story: https://t.co/UsLDNiWKzr— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) March 20, 2024 View Tweet With that being the only inkling to what England fans have to go on, their booing of the Arsenal man on Friday makes little sense.International commitments or not, White should not have had to sit still and take perceived disrespect on the chin. Friday’s game will likely not be the last one White features in – he deserves to face a different reception next time. 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.