England underwhelmed as Ben White went from zero to hero and back to zero again in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley. The Three Lions, much changed as Thomas Tuchel offered the chance for fringe players to audition for a World Cup spot, mustered just three shots on target before substitute White scored with their fourth in the 81st minute to finally bring Wembley something to cheer.

But the Arsenal defender, who was booed when he came on, then gave away a stoppage-time penalty which Real Madrid powerhouse Federico Valverde converted to deny England victory. While the game was largely devoid of goalmouth action, there were still numerous moments of drama. Express Sport brings you the main talking points…

White’s night of drama

This was White’s first cap since March 2022 but his entrance was greeted with loud boos. White was jeered as he came on to the pitch to replace Fikayo Tomori in the 69th minute.

There were still some boos, albeit fewer, 12 minutes later when he prodded in from a yard out at the back post to finally break the deadlock following a corner. How very Arsenal of him to score from a corner!

But he didn’t do his reputation any favours with a clumsy challenge on Federico Vinas that led to the penalty after a VAR check. So why was he booed?

The defender left the Qatar World Cup camp for “personal reasons” four years ago vut has never discussed the situation publicly. It is understood he had a falling-out with then-assistant manager Steve Holland. The fact he later refused to play for England after that clearly has not gone down well with the fans.

Yet Tuchel explained this week: “I think everyone deserves a second chance. Once I asked Ben if he would be ready to play for me and for England he straight away, and without hesitation, said he would love that and he was desperate to come back.”

Ref’s memory loss

One of the strangest moments of the night under the Wembley lights was Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte receiving a second yellow card for talking back to referee Sven Jablonski – only to play on regardless. Ugarte had already been cautioned when he was handed another yellow. But the red card did not follow.

He went off eventually, but only because Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa substituted him. The fourth official later claimed the second yellow was ultimately rescinded. How’s that then? Talk about covering for his mate. It was ultimately njust a stinker from Sven, who also should have handed Ronald Araujo a red card earlier in the match. More on that below…

Thomas Tuchel rages

Barcelona defender Araujo was extremely fortunate to escape a second-half red card for a disgusting tackle on Phil Foden. The Manchester City midfielder was fortunate himself, rising from the turf to play on a few minutes despite clearly feeling the pain of the challenge.

Tuchel gesticulated wildly with both arms as soon as Foden went down, while James Garner, Harry Maguire and Fikayo Tomori were all seen with their arms outstretched in the direction of the officials, too.

Ex-England defender Lee Dixon on ITV’s commentary: “Tuchel is not happy with that tackle at all. Ouch, that’s a leg breaker. That’s a terrible tackle, the aggression in that, you’re endangering the opponent. He’s lucky there, Foden. He just lifts his weight off that ankle. If that foot is on the ground, he’s breaking his ankle there. If that’s in the Premier League, that is 100 per cent a red card. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be because it’s a FIFA match. It’s halfway up his shin and then it catches his ankle as well. It’s a terrible, terrible tackle. It’s not OK that he got the ball [first].”

The incident left Thomas Tuchel absolutely incensed on the touchline, as he berated the fourth official. “It’s a red card,” he raged. Marcelo Bielsa was caught in the crossfire too as he came across to calm his fellow coach.

Foden was taken off just minutes later, walking straight down the tunnel. You’d imagine Pep Guardiola won’t be too happy he played on at all, but Foden at least later returned to join his team-mates on the bench with his ankle strapped in ice.

Henderson on the plane?

England can take 26 players to the World Cup. With competition for places so fierce – the mercurial Trent Alexander-Arnold not even making this 35-man selection – there has been much talk about whether or not Henderson should go to the US.

That he captained this team suggests it’s highly likely he’ll be on the plane. Tuchel recalled Henderson, widely regarded as a leader of men, 12 months ago after a 16-month exile from the England squad. And the German coach has been full of praise since, handing him eight caps as the veteran 35-year-old now closes in on the 100-milestone.

Tuchel told ITV last March: “He embodies everything. He’s a serial winner. His personality, character, he is the glue in every team where he played. He will be the glue that makes things special. I’m convinced.”

In another interview, he added: “What he brings to every team is leadership, character, energy and personality. He makes sure everyone lives by the standards. He embodies everything we try to build. We want to build a team our fans are proud of.” Whether you agree or disagree with the manager, Henderson looks very likely to be in his final 26.

Rashford has his chance

At Wembley on Friday, Rashford was largely quiet bar one run down the left in the first half that lifted the crowd. For many, he will still be the first-choice left winger for England to complete a front three with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. And he has a chance to prove he deserves that role in the coming weeks.

That’s because Barcelona talisman Raphinha, their starting left-sided winger, faces at least five weeks out with a hamstring injury. Barca play seven times over that period – including Atletico Madrid, who knocked them out of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, once in La Liga and twice in the Champions League.

Raphinha could also miss the first leg of a European semi-final against Arsenal or Sporting. Over to you, Marcus. The Manchester United loanee has 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 games this term and looks likely to make the Nou Camp his permanent home.

And a strong run of form over the next month or so can help him nail down that England starting position as well.