Senegal secured a significant 3-1 victory against Thomas Tuchel`s England side in Nottingham, marking the Three Lions` first-ever defeat at the hands of an African nation.
England initially took the lead through Harry Kane, who was quick to react after Edouard Mendy spilled the ball in the penalty area.
However, Senegal responded just before halftime. Kyle Walker was caught out of position, allowing Ismaila Sarr to score from close range.
The visitors then took a surprising lead in Nottingham when Habib Diarra broke through the English defense to find the net.
England thought they had leveled the score, but Jude Bellingham`s effort was disallowed after VAR ruled that Levi Colwill had handled the ball in the buildup.
Cheikh Sabaly confirmed the historic win for Senegal in added time, scoring on a counter-attack.
Final Score: England 1-3 Senegal
Post-Match Reactions and Analysis
Tuchel on Toney`s Role
Thomas Tuchel commented on Ivan Toney`s limited playing time, hinting it was due to the striker`s “specialist role.” Toney was an unused substitute against Andorra and only featured briefly against Senegal.
Tuchel explained that Toney is most effective when the team is delivering many balls into the box, which was the case later in the match. Despite the late introduction, Tuchel defended the decision, stating Toney`s role is to provide presence in the box.
Tuchel Questions Disallowed Goal
Thomas Tuchel expressed confusion over the VAR decision to disallow Jude Bellingham`s goal for a handball against Levi Colwill.
Tuchel commented that replays suggested the ball hit Colwill`s shoulder rather than his hand. He noted it was unusual for a referee to revisit a goal verdict after it had been initially given, suggesting it must have been viewed as a clear error.
Kane`s Blunt Take on Disallowed Goal
Captain Harry Kane offered a direct opinion on Bellingham`s disallowed goal. The referee initially allowed the goal but reversed her decision after VAR review showed the ball hitting Levi Colwill`s arm during the buildup.
Kane stated that according to the rules, it was not a handball. He felt the decision was a crucial moment that could have brought England back into the game and potentially led to a different result.
Senegal Captain Hails Historic Night
Senegal skipper Kalidou Koulibaly celebrated the historic nature of the 3-1 win over England. He highlighted that no other African team had previously defeated the Three Lions.
Koulibaly expressed happiness with the result and the team`s performance, stating they showed personality and capability at this level. He spoke of continuing to write Senegal`s football history.
Wright and Keane Comment on Toney`s Minimal Role
Pundits Ian Wright and Roy Keane expressed sympathy for Ivan Toney regarding his brief appearance in the match. Toney was introduced only in the 87th minute despite England chasing the game.
Wright was surprised Toney wasn`t brought on earlier, questioning what the manager might have seen in training. Keane added that Toney would likely be frustrated with such limited game time.
Tuchel Describes England as `Frozen`
Thomas Tuchel criticized England`s defensive performance and described the team`s display as sometimes “frozen.”
Despite periods of good defending in the first half, Tuchel felt the team wasn`t active enough for significant portions of the match. He particularly highlighted that the first two goals conceded were “very easy” and required better defense.
Walker Criticized for Equalizer Goal
Roy Keane strongly criticized Kyle Walker`s defending during Senegal`s equalizer, calling him “lazy.” Keane pointed out that Walker was slow to react to Ismaila Sarr, who poked in the cross.
Keane argued that for an experienced defender, such a mistake was unacceptable, noting that Walker seemed hesitant in getting back into position. Ian Wright agreed that Walker`s faster reaction could have prevented the goal.
Kane Discusses England`s Need to Improve
Harry Kane insisted England would not “panic” despite the defeat but acknowledged the need for significant improvement. He cited “new ideas, new players” potentially contributing to the team`s struggles under Thomas Tuchel.
Kane stressed that there were no excuses and that the team needed to find form quickly, given the approaching World Cup. He emphasized the importance of every international camp.
Kane Notes Lack of Aggression
Harry Kane also commented on England`s overall performance in their recent matches, including the narrow win against Andorra and the loss to Senegal. He felt both performances were “not good enough.”
Kane observed that aspects of their play, both with and without the ball, were not clicking, and the team lacked the necessary tempo. Crucially, he felt England had “lost that aggressive nature” they previously possessed.
Marcus Bellamy