England manager and defender criticise referee after Uruguay draw
England manager Thomas Tuchel and defender Harry Maguire launched a scathing attack on referee Sven Jablonski following the Three Lions’ draw with Uruguay at Wembley, reports BritPanorama.
The match, which served as England’s second-to-last fixture before Tuchel selects his World Cup squad, was marred by contentious officiating decisions in the second half. Both Tuchel and Maguire were incensed that Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo escaped punishment for a dangerous challenge on Phil Foden.
The England boss further expressed his frustration over a penalty awarded against Ben White, stating to ITV: “Yeah because it’s not a penalty, I’m sorry.” Maguire echoed this sentiment, describing the spot-kick as “ridiculous” and “a real, real soft penalty.” The challenge from Araujo on Foden was considered potentially leg-breaking, yet Jablonski took no action against the defender.
Tuchel questioned why VAR failed to intervene, saying: “How is this not checked by VAR? And then they’re checking the last bit where the referee made very, very clear he saw it and it’s nothing… then they check and it’s given.” Further confusion arose when Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte appeared to receive two yellow cards without being dismissed. The fourth official provided a bizarre explanation that the second booking had been rescinded, before it was suggested the initial caution had actually been shown to teammate Jose Maria Gimenez.
White experienced a rollercoaster evening on his first England appearance in four years, having previously stepped away from international duty following a disagreement with former assistant manager Steve Holland. He found the net in the 81st minute, only to concede the penalty from which Federico Valverde equalised in stoppage time. His introduction was met with a mixed response from the Wembley crowd, with some supporters booing the defender as he entered the pitch.
Tuchel addressed the reception, saying: “I think it was a mixed reaction, some cheered, some booed. I was not even aware of it but people told me now.” Despite the controversial conclusion to the match, both Tuchel and Maguire were full of praise for White’s contribution. Maguire defended his teammate’s actions in the penalty area: “Ben just goes to try and block the shot. It’s not a tackle, it’s not malicious. There’s going to be contact in the box.” He added, “I thought he was brilliant when he came on.”
Tuchel acknowledged White may have been overly aggressive in his defending but maintained the decision was wrong, stating: “He’s a bit maybe too tough, too greedy in his defensive actions. But still I think it’s not a penalty.” Maguire also highlighted White’s positive influence during the training camp, noting he had brought “great energy” and worn “a big smile on his face” throughout the week.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, England’s path remains fraught with challenges, reminding us all of the slender margins in football and how controversy can linger long after the final whistle.
