Ben White suffered mixed fortunes on his international comeback as England were held to a draw by Uruguay in a scrappy Wembley friendly.

The Arsenal defender was booed by Three Lions fans when he came on in the 69th minute following his return from a self-imposed exile after his early departure from the Qatar World Cup in 2022.

But White turned the jeers to cheers when he scored from virtually on the goalline from Cole Palmer's corner with nine minutes left.

It looked like his first international goal would be enough for an England victory, only for White to then concede a stoppage-time penalty for a challenge on Federico Vinas.

After a video assistant referee (VAR) check, Federico Valverde rifled the spot-kick into the corner past James Trafford.

Tuchel gave full England debuts to goalkeeper Trafford and Everton midfielder James Garner, but it was hard for players to shine as this friendly developed into an untidy scrap.

Uruguay lost Joaquin Piquerez early on following a challenge with Noni Madueke, who was himself replaced by Jarrod Bowen seven minutes before half-time after picking up a heavy knock.

Phil Foden struggled to make an impression but his night was cut short not long after he was on the end of a dreadful challenge from Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo that could have merited a red card.

The Manchester City attacker was replaced by Palmer, whose set-piece created England's best chance of the night after 70 minutes as another substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin somehow headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

There was an uncomfortable moment when White came on as substitute, but he had the satisfaction of finally breaking down Uruguay's fierce resistance - only for his joy to be soured by that converted penalty in the fourth minute of added time.

Following six clean sheets in a row, Valverde's strike was the first goal England had conceded since a 3-1 loss to Senegal in June 2025.

England head coach Tuchel may not have learned anything new about his squad in a friendly that was untidy, riddled with stoppages, and ended in an unsatisfactory result.

What he will take away, however, are the lessons of confronting well-organised, fiercely well-drilled opposition of the sort England may have to overcome in the World Cup this summer.

Uruguay were physical, dangerous, and eventually earned a draw with late pressure as White's night turned sour, giving away a penalty after his first international goal.

It was a mixed night for those hoping to force their way into contention for Tuchel's squad, although this was a game where it was tough to shine.

Harry Maguire did well on his international return, especially with a heroic block in the closing moments, while striker Dominic Solanke was busy and Garner neat and tidy.

It was not so pleasing for Leeds United striker Calvert-Lewin, who was guilty of a glaring miss with the sort of headed opportunity that is his strength.

Chelsea forward Palmer made the desired impact when he came on, creating Calvert-Lewin's opportunity and setting up White's goal with a corner - but overall this was a match that was far from pleasing on the eye.

Tuchel, if he was not before, will at least know this could end up being a dress rehearsal for more important competitive challenges ahead at the World Cup.