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England endured a sobering 3–1 defeat to Senegal in an international friendly at Nottingham’s City Ground on Tuesday evening. Despite taking an early lead through captain Harry Kane, defensive errors and a lack of cohesion cost the Three Lions dearly, as Senegal became the first African team to defeat England in over two decades.
The result handed new England manager Thomas Tuchel his first loss since taking charge, and highlighted several issues ahead of crucial international fixtures.
Kane Opens Scoring, But Senegal Take Control
England made a bright start and went ahead in just the 7th minute. Anthony Gordon’s low shot was parried by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, but the ball fell kindly to Kane, who made no mistake from close range. However, the lead didn’t last long.
Senegal responded well and equalised five minutes before halftime. Kyle Walker was caught ball-watching as Nicolas Jackson whipped in a low cross that Ismaila Sarr poked home. It was the first goal England had conceded under Tuchel, and it exposed defensive fragility that would cost them further.
Diarra and Sabaly Seal Historic Win for Senegal
Senegal, riding a 23-game unbeaten run heading into the match, looked sharper and more determined. They took the lead in the 62nd minute when Habib Diarra latched onto a long ball, muscled past his marker, and slotted it between goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s legs.
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England pressed for an equaliser but were denied by a disallowed Jude Bellingham goal for handball in the buildup, and a late Saka effort that was superbly saved by Mendy. The African champions made it 3–1 deep into stoppage time, when Cheikh Sabaly curled in a confident finish, silencing the home crowd and drawing boos at the final whistle.
Tuchel Reflects on First Defeat
Post-match, manager Thomas Tuchel admitted frustration with the performance:
“Disappointing result, not sure if maybe didn’t deserve a little bit more result-wise,” he said. “We conceded very easy goals and weren’t active enough for long stretches.”
Tuchel made 10 changes to the squad that narrowly beat Andorra 1–0 in a World Cup qualifier the previous weekend, opting to experiment with younger, less experienced players. But the performance suggested the squad may not yet be absorbing his tactical ideas effectively.
Kane and Fans Voice Concern
Captain Harry Kane didn’t sugar-coat the display, stating:
“Not good enough. We had moments, but things aren’t clicking. We’ve lost that aggressive nature.”
He emphasised the need to quickly adapt to the manager’s philosophy and warned of time running out before the 2026 World Cup.
“It’s a mixture of things but no excuses,” he said. “We need to find it quick — every camp is really important now.”
Senegal Impress Again on European Soil
Senegal extended their unbeaten streak to 24 games and looked every bit the organised, confident side that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Their pace, physicality, and clinical finishing posed problems England struggled to solve all night.
Senegal registered nine shots on target compared to England’s four, and could have scored more had Henderson not made key saves in the first half.
England’s Path Forward
While the match was a friendly, the implications are clear: Tuchel has work to do. With new players bedding in, tactical transitions underway, and World Cup preparation intensifying, the team must rediscover form and intensity quickly.
Though fans will hope this defeat is just a learning moment, the boos at full time showed growing impatience for progress — and results.
