Jordan Henderson has thrown his support behind Ben White after the Arsenal defender was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd during England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay on Friday.
White, making his first England appearance since leaving the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar for personal reasons, came on as a 69th-minute substitute. The 28-year-old was met with loud jeers from a section of the supporters when he entered the field and again when he scored England’s equaliser 12 minutes later.
Despite the reaction from the crowd, Henderson insisted that the squad remains fully behind the defender.
“As team-mates we are always there to support,” Henderson said after the game. “I have been through it myself, but that is part and parcel of being an England player.”
The Brentford midfielder, who himself faced criticism following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, suggested that public opinion is often shaped by incomplete narratives.
“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,” he added.
White’s first England outing since Qatar
White had not featured for England since March 2022 and left the World Cup squad in Qatar after what was officially described as personal reasons. Following that exit, he was not considered during Gareth Southgate’s remaining spell as England manager.
New England boss Thomas Tuchel recently recalled White as cover for the injured Jarell Quansah and had said before the match that the defender needed to “clear the air” with the squad.
However, Henderson stressed that what happened in Qatar remains an internal matter.
“Not many people know the ins and outs of what happened in Qatar and it is for us to deal with internally,” he said. “Ben has been good since he came back in and we will support him as team-mates.”
The midfielder also admitted that dealing with criticism from the stands can be mentally challenging.
“It is difficult when it is you, but you have to try not to take it too personally,” Henderson said. “I was delighted he got on and got a goal, which is the most important thing.”
Questions still remain over Qatar exit
White has yet to publicly address the circumstances surrounding his departure from the World Cup camp, something that continues to fuel speculation.
Reports at the time had suggested a possible fallout involving former assistant coach Steve Holland, although nothing was officially confirmed by the management.
BBC Radio 5 Live correspondent John Murray noted that the situation may eventually need to be addressed by White himself.
“At some stage he will have to grasp the nettle and talk about it,” Murray said.
For now, however, White’s return and his goal offer a fresh start, even if the reception from some supporters shows that questions from the past still linger.
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