Harry Maguire gave his backing to Ben White after a highly eventful return to the England team that Thomas Tuchel hopes will allow the defender to move on from past controversy.

White's absence from the international setup has been the subject of discussion for several years, with the Arsenal defender last involved at the previous World Cup, in Qatar in 2022.

Issues behind the scenes led to White withdrawing from consideration for selection for the remainder of Gareth Southgate's tenure, and only now has he been brought back into the fold.

An injury to Jarell Quansah allowed White to be picked ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold by Tuchel – another contentious call – and he was brought on against Uruguay at Wembley with Friday's friendly still goalless.

White was jeered by England fans as he entered the field and again after he then netted his first international goal.

His night was not finished there, though, as a last-gasp challenge on Federico Vinas prompted a VAR review and a penalty award, with Federico Valverde rattling in a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

Maguire, who was White's centre-back partner in the closing stages, told ITV Sport of his colleague's cameo: "It was a bit crazy.

"Obviously he scored the first goal, and I thought he was brilliant when he came on.

"I can't say anything about that defending [for the penalty], because I'd be there if that was me in that position, attempting to block the shot as well. That's what we've got to do. I think it's a real, real, real soft penalty.

"He's been really good all week. He's come into the camp and been really positive. He's had a big smile on his face, brought great energy to the camp, and he's got his reward tonight with a goal. I thought he was brilliant when he came on."

The penalty decision was "ridiculous" in Maguire's eyes, and boss Tuchel agreed the spot-kick should not have been awarded.

He was asked about the crowd's response to White's appearance, too, but was optimistic this would now represent a line in the sand.

"[The jeers] happened before to some players here, which is disappointing because it helps no-one," Tuchel said.

"I think it was a mixed reaction; some cheered, some booed. I was not even aware of it. People told me now when I was in the tunnel. I didn't hear it.

"Hopefully it is settled."

It was not just White's penalty concession that frustrated England on a night of controversy.

Manuel Ugarte appeared to be booked twice without being sent off, while Ronald Araujo was similarly spared after a rash lunge on Phil Foden.

"You don't see tackles like that and not get red cards," added Maguire.

"There are a couple of months until the World Cup and we've got referees allowing tackles like that. It's disappointing."