Just days after fans were left unimpressed with England’s narrow win over Andorra, Tuesday night brought an even bigger jolt—Thomas Tuchel’s first defeat as England manager.
And it didn’t come at the hands of a European giant.
Instead, it was a sharp, confident Senegalese side that handed Tuchel a reality check at the City Ground.
A Bright Start Turns Sour for England
England actually got on the scoresheet first, with Harry Kane continuing his streak under Tuchel by netting the opener—against the run of play.
But that didn’t deter Senegal, who responded with grit and flair.
Ismaila Sarr punished Kyle Walker’s defensive lapse to level the score, and then Habib Diarra struck after the break to put the visitors ahead.
A late third from Cheikh Sabaly sealed it, sending a clear message that Senegal came not just to compete—but to conquer.
Senegal Make History in Nottingham
With this win, Senegal became the first African nation to beat England, adding a historic layer to the night’s storyline.
While England looked flat and disjointed, Senegal impressed with their pressing, passing, and composure.
It’s a moment their players—and manager Pape Bouna Thiaw—won’t forget.
England’s Defensive Woes on Display
From the back, England looked vulnerable. Dean Henderson had a decent start in goal but was let down by the defenders in front of him.
Kyle Walker, in particular, struggled badly.
He was caught sleeping for the equaliser and looked every bit his age on the pitch.
Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, making his England debut, couldn’t prevent the cross that led to Senegal’s first goal.
Levi Colwill, another young center-back, didn’t offer much protection either.
Midfield Lacked Spark and Control
England’s midfield was largely off pace. Declan Rice misplaced passes and lacked his usual dominance.
Conor Gallagher’s energy couldn’t make up for some poor decision-making, and Myles Lewis-Skelly left gaping holes behind him, one of which led directly to Senegal’s second goal.
Bukayo Saka tried to break through but was denied by a brilliant save from Edouard Mendy.
Kane Scores Again but Can’t Carry the Team
Harry Kane’s goal was a rare high point for England.
He capitalized on a rebound to continue his scoring streak under Tuchel.
But despite his consistency, he couldn’t do it all on his own.
Anthony Gordon, who helped set up Kane’s opener, fluffed a big chance of his own that could’ve shifted the momentum.
Eberechi Eze looked sharp in patches, particularly in the build-up to the goal.
Senegal’s Stars Shine Bright
Senegal’s performance was full of standout players. Ismaila Sarr was a constant menace and deserved his goal.
Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye gave England’s backline all sorts of trouble, and Habib Diarra’s strike turned out to be the match-winner.
Their midfield held strong, and Edouard Mendy made a key stop to keep Senegal in front.
England’s Bench Brings Energy but No Answers
Tuchel made five second-half substitutions, including Morgan Gibbs-White, Curtis Jones, and Jude Bellingham.
While they brought some spark, they couldn’t turn the tide.
Even Kane was subbed off in the 69th minute, but nothing England tried seemed to break Senegal’s grip on the game.
Manager Rating: Tuchel’s Frustration Shows
Tuchel spent much of the match pacing the touchline, visibly annoyed.
His team selection and tactics didn’t produce the reaction he was hoping for after the unconvincing Andorra win.
With the World Cup creeping closer, this loss might help shape some tough decisions ahead.
For now, Tuchel gets a 5/10—because the “new manager bounce” is officially over.
Looking Ahead: Work to Do Before the World Cup
If Tuesday night made anything clear, it’s this—England still have plenty of work to do.
The World Cup may be over a year away, but the clock is ticking.
Tuchel will need more urgency, more cohesion, and much better defending if England are going to contend on the world stage.
As for Senegal, they’ll leave Nottingham with a historic victory and a real sense of momentum.