The City Ground in Nottingham witnessed a stunning upset as England fell to Senegal in an international friendly on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The Three Lions, managed by Thomas Tuchel, suffered a 3-1 defeat, marking their first-ever loss to an African nation. The result has sent shockwaves through English football, raising concerns just a year out from the World Cup.
England started brightly, with Harry Kane extending his scoring record under Tuchel, netting the opening goal in the 7th minute. Anthony Gordon's initial shot was parried by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, leaving Kane with a simple tap-in for his 73rd international goal. However, Senegal responded resiliently, growing into the game and exposing vulnerabilities in the English defense.
Senegal's equalizer came in the 40th minute when Nicolas Jackson chased down a long pass and cut the ball back for Ismaïla Sarr, who outpaced Kyle Walker and fired a shot into the bottom corner. The Lions of Teranga continued their momentum into the second half, taking the lead in the 62nd minute. Habib Diarra capitalized on a long ball over the top, beating goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a composed finish from a tight angle.
England attempted to mount a comeback, and Jude Bellingham thought he had leveled the score in the 84th minute, but his goal was disallowed for a handball by Levi Colwill in the build-up, a decision that sparked debate. Senegal then sealed the victory in stoppage time, with Cheikh Sabaly finishing off a swift counter-attack to make it 3-1.
The defeat not only ended England's unbeaten run against African opposition but also marked Tuchel's first loss as England manager. The German coach had previously overseen an unconvincing 1-0 win against Andorra, leading to criticism of the team's attitude and performance. Following the Senegal defeat, Tuchel expressed his disappointment, stating that his team appeared "frozen" and lacked activity for extended periods. He also lamented the "easy goals" conceded and stressed the need for improved defending.
England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the team's shortcomings, suggesting they had lost their "aggressive nature." The performance has raised questions about England's readiness for the upcoming World Cup, with fans and pundits expressing concern over the team's fluidity and tempo. The match statistics reflected Senegal's dominance, with 11 shots to England's 8 and 9 shots on target compared to England's 4. Senegal also enjoyed a 40% possession rate, highlighting their effectiveness on the counter-attack.
The friendly defeat against Senegal serves as a wake-up call for England. It exposes defensive frailties and raises concerns about the team's ability to respond to adversity. Tuchel faces a significant challenge in addressing these issues and ensuring England are better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
