For all the hope and optimism surrounding England under new manager Thomas Tuchel, their 3-1 defeat to Senegal at Nottingham’s City ground on June 10 2025, felt has brought the team and nation crashing down to earth. The match was billed as a key test of progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, all that followed was a damning indictment of the Three Lion’s fragility. From the dream start that came courtesy of Kane to a nightmarish collapse, the performance has led to deep questions about England’s choice of tactics and just how Tuchel fits in at the helm.
Taking over after the exit of Gareth Southgate, Tuchel had spoken with typical German precision about high pressing, intelligent transitions, and finding the right balance between flair and control. However, none of that could be seen once Senegal settled into the game.
Senegal Strike Back
While England enjoyed the early boost that came with Kane’s 73rd international goal (a poached strike after Edouard Mendy spilled Anthony Gordon’s low effort), the effort did nothing more than paper over the cracks that soon split open wide. A different experience to what Kane is now used to at Bayern where he’s had his best season yet.
What followed was nothing short of a masterclass from Senegal as they exploited England’s defensive vulnerabilities. Kyle Walker, usually known for his pace and positioning, was caught flat-footed as Nicolas Jackson simply breezed past him to deliver a pinpoint cross to Ismaila Sarr. The winger made no mistake and finished clinically into the bottom corner, levelling the score. This was a moment that summed up England’s night: disjointed, inattentive, and reactive.
Midfield Collapse and Diarra’s Dagger
The midfield seemed to offer little resistance as Habib Diarra surged forward in the second half. It only took a simple through ball to undo England’s backline, allowing Diarra to slide the ball through Dean Henderson’s legs. Henderson was in for the rested Jordan Pickford and had previously made a handful of impressive stops, particularly from Sarr and Idrissa Gueye. Despite this, there was nothing he could do to salvage a dreadful team performance.
There may have been fans who would have brushed off the result of a friendly as a misstep, but the atmosphere in the stadium told a very different story. The boos that came at full time weren’t just about the scoreline but more about the lack of rhythm and the lack of any identity in a side that should be preparing for a major tournament, rather than experimenting like it’s still 2023.
A Record Broken and a Warning Given
This defeat was England’s first ever loss to African opposition and it also brought to an end a 21 match unbeaten run. Even just symbolically, it hurt. Practically, it raised questions that were more than just a little uncomfortable. With just a year to go until the World Cup, England’s project under Tuchel looks no closer to reaching the ultimate goal in football. A manager known for his Champions League-winning pedigree with Chelsea, Tuchel now needs to prove that he can translate club success to the national stage. This is a step that has eluded many over the years.
Star Players Struggle Under Pressure
No one could have predicted the final 1-3 scoreline. No one could have predicted quite how poorly players would have performed. Even the likes of Jude Bellingham, arguably the most gifted English Midfielder in a generation, appeared almost shackled. He thought that he’d rescued a draw late on, rifling in from a corner, only for VAR to strip the goal away after a handball by Levi Colwill in the build up. It was just that kind of night where every silver lining seemed to come with a cloud.
To compound the frustrations, Senegal’s 3rd goal was a true gut punch. Deep into stoppage time and a swift counter attack saw Cheikh Sabaly end the game with a cool finish. The City groaned filled with boos and groans as fans made clear what they thought of the England performance.
The Bigger Picture
England’s Premier League is one of the most competitive and high profile in the world, yet success at club level just doesn’t translate to success on the international stage. With a player pool as deep as England’s, supporters find more excitement in weekend fixtures than national matches. For some, the appeal of a midweek international friendly ranks somewhere below a spin on a bitcoin casinos, where both promise a thrill but there’s always the chance of disappointment. The issue is not talent, as England clearly has plenty of this. It’s more about cohesion and, right now, Tuchel hasn’t found the right formula.
In contrast, Senegal’s display was organised and disciplined. Their transitions were crisp and their positioning was perfect. This win was no fluke. It was the result of a team playing to its strengths.
Looking Ahead
Tuchel now faces a critical few months. The fixtures due for September offer a chance at redemption, but they will also be a test of resilience. England needs to be able to absorb this setback and take the time to recalibrate. The pressure is rising. This isn’t just from the fans and the media, but also from the squad itself. These are professional athletes who are used to weekly excellence and they won’t tolerate stagnation for long.
While one bad result can quickly become a trend, fans will be hoping that Tuchel has now found his feet and can deliver an England team that is ready to compete.