“I haven’t spoken to him”

Manchester City star James Trafford has backed Arsenal star Ben White after he was booed by England fans on his return to the national team. He revealed that the whole squad is behind the defender and enjoys training with him.

Speaking to HaytersTVTrafford said he has not spoken to White about the booing from fans, but heaped praise on the Arsenal star. He added that everyone in the squad likes him and was puzzled by the booing and said:

“I haven’t spoken to him (after the boos), but he’s obviously a top player, and he’s been brilliant so far in the week. He’s a great lad, and yeah, everyone really likes him. He’s a great lad. It was obviously a different night with getting booed, apparently, but yeah, he’s a great lad.”

Former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson also spoke about the booing, saying that the players were always ready to support White. He admitted that it was a part of being a national team player, and hit out at the fans saying some did not even know why they were booing the Arsenal star.

“As teammates we are always there to support. I have been through it myself, but that is part and parcel of being an England player. Some of the fans probably don’t even know why they are booing, they listen to what is being said in the media, and a lot of the time what the media says isn’t true.

“Not many people know the ins and outs of what happened in Qatar and it is for us to deal with internally. Ben has been good since he came back in and we will support him as teammates.” (via BBC)

Ben White made his return to the national team squad this week for the first time since walking out in 2022.

Thomas Tuchel on England fans booing Arsenal star Ben White

England manager Thomas Tuchel also spoke about the booing from England fans, but revealed that he had not heard it himself. The German is confident that the majority of the fans are backing the Arsenal star and said:

“I heard that he was booed. I didn’t hear it actually because I was involved in the changes and instructions. It cannot be the majority. There were some boos and some mixed reception for him which I’m disappointed about because of course we protect our players.”

“He was excellent in camp and he deserved to come on. He deserved also to start. Got us almost a winner. But I also understood that it happened to other players before here. So he needs to take it on the chin. We will always protect him.” (via One Football)

Ben White is battling Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James, who have not made the squad this month, for the right back spot in the England squad.