![\"Mikel](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_Arsenal-FC-Training-Session-And-Press-Conference-UEFA-Champions-League-202526-Round-of-16-Second.j.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nBen White joined Thomas Tuchel’s England camp on international duty for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan last week, where he was booed by fans inside Wembley<\/p>\n
Mikel Arteta has spoken about Ben White’s situation(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Mikel Arteta claims that while he didn’t hear England<\/a> fans booing Ben White<\/a> recently, the star returned to Arsenal<\/a> in good spirits.<\/p>\n The full-back was called up by Thomas Tuchel<\/a> as part of a 35-man Three Lions squad to take on Uruguay and Japan in a pair of friendlies at the end of March.<\/p>\n It marked the end of a three-year international exile for White<\/a>, who put a pause on world football during the 2022 World Cup as a result of a reported clash with Steve Holland \u2013 an assistant of Gareth Southgate<\/a>.<\/p>\n FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!<\/strong> <\/strong>Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n However, the 28-year-old’s reconnection with his nation didn’t quite play out as planned. Despite scoring against Uruguay, England were ultimately held to a 1-1 draw by the South American outfit at Wembley, while Tuchel’s team were also embarrassingly handed a 1-0 loss at the hands of Japan in their final match before this summer’s World Cup.<\/p>\n White was also booed by portions of the England support in the capital when he entered the field of play against Uruguay and his name was read out over the stadium’s PA system \u2013 seemingly in response to his long absence from the squad.<\/p>\n Southgate also claimed in 2024 that White had asked not to be considered as part of his European Championships squad, despite the head coach noting that he would have otherwise been included on merit thanks to his form with Arsenal.<\/p>\n England’s 2026 World Cup kits<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Various Prices<\/p>\n England Official Store<\/p>\n Buy Now on England Official Store<\/a><\/p>\n England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL<\/p>\n Upon his return to Arsenal after the most recent round of fixtures, however, White seemed unphased by his frosty reception at Wembley.<\/p>\n When asked about the boos during his pre-match press conference looking to Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Southampton<\/a>, Arteta said: “The volume was down, so I could not hear that.<\/p>\n “I could just see a big smile on his face and the way he came back from the national team and the good things that he was telling everybody about, the group, about the meetings that they had, about Thomas and everybody.<\/p>\n “So that’s great to hear because when you send a player to a national team, you really want to bring back a better player, a player that is happy, a player that is available and fit. And that was certainly Ben’s case.”<\/p>\n It comes as White could play a major part in Arsenal’s FA Cup<\/a> clash at St Mary’s this weekend, as they prepare to do battle with the Saints at 8pm in the quarter-finals of the competition.<\/p>\n Ben White was booed for England(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n Arteta confirmed that Piero Hincapie will miss the game<\/a> as a result of a knock during Ecuador’s recent friendly with Morocco, as will Noni Madueke<\/a> and Eberechi Eze<\/a> due to their own respective injuries.<\/p>\n However, the Spaniard did give the positive news that Jurrien Timber<\/a> and Martin Odegaard<\/a> are back in contention for the trip to the south coast.<\/p>\n Speaking about the international break, which proved problematic in terms of fresh injuries, Arteta said: “I think when a player is fit and able to play, he has to play, and I think it makes us so proud that we have that many players in the national team.<\/p>\n “The players are desperate to play with the national team, and we know how important every time that they are together and the time that they spend in preparation means to them.<\/p>\n “We are fully supportive of that, and when we can do it, we do it.”<\/p>\n We’ve launched a new Arsenal podcast ‘Seeing Red’ with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.<\/p>\n Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta’s side every step of the way – and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.<\/p>\n It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.<\/p>\n The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.<\/p>\n We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.<\/p>\n No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774352840_573_0_Untitled-2jpeg.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1_England-v-Japan-International-Friendly.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769168834_710_0_SEEING-RED-ART-1.jpg\")
Welcome to ‘Seeing Red’ – our new Arsenal podcast<\/p>\n