Few days after being criticized for England 1-0 away win against 173rd ranked Andorra side, Tuchel one hundred percent record as England coach ended with a shock defeat by the Teranga Lions of Senegal. This is England first loss to any African side after 21-game unbeaten streak coming into this match.
The first goal came early with Tuchel’s side finding the net after only seven minutes. Harry Kane, who has scored in every game under Thomas Tuchel, gave England the lead when he tapped home a rebound from Senegal’s goalie Mendy, who couldn’t keep Anthony Gordon strike after a combined effort from Eberechi Eze and Conor Gallagher freed the Newcastle player.
This is arguably the toughest test for the Three Lions since Tuchel took charge, as they trade tackles with the 19th-ranked team in the world. Senegal maintained their steeze, controlling possession and also creating chances even at one goal down- stretching England from all fronts. Their composure came through after Conor Gordon squandered a golden opportunity to extend England’s lead when he mistap a low cross from Kyle Walker. Shortly after his missed chance, FA Cup winner Ismaila Sarr overran Kyle Walker to slot in a Jab from Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson to level the game 1-1.
Diarra doubled the score for Senegal in the 62nd minute, displacing Myles Lewis-Skelly to drill past Hendersen from a tight angle, triggering enormous celebration from the visibly few Senegalese supporters. England rallied itself in search of an equalizer which almost materialized when Eberechi Eze fused with Gibbs-White to put Mendy to the test. Bukayo Saka was also denied by Mendy’s reflex save with his right hand. England’s push did not in any way threaten the West African side as they looked stable, organized and almost extended their lead with attempts from Nicolas Jackson and Pape Gueye as the former forced a save from Hendersen and the latter fired wide. These attempts further fueled frustration among the England fans in Nottingham City ground.
What was thought to be a goal from substitute Jude Bellingham when he tapped home from close range late in the 84th minute was ruled out for a Levi Colwill handball by the French female referee when she was sent by VAR to the pitch-monitor.
England hope to at least end the game in stalmate was dashed by a stoppage-time goal when Lamine Sabaly sealed a historic victory for the Teranga Lions of Senegal.
