England suffered a 3-1 defeat to Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.
Thomas Tuchel’s side went ahead in the clash through Harry Kane before Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr levelled just before half-time.
Habib Diarra, who has been heavily linked with a move to Everton and Leeds United, put Senegal 2-1 to the good on the hour mark.
Morgan Gibbs-White, minutes after entering the action, had a great chance to equalise, but his effort was well-saved by Edouard Mendy.
The Nottingham Forest playmaker should’ve notched an assist, too, but Bukayo Saka couldn’t convert his incisive pass.
Despite Gibbs-White’s best efforts, he couldn’t inspire a comeback as Youssouf Sabaly netted a stoppage-time goal to kill the game.
The national media had conflicting opinions on his cameo, though.
Photo by Jan Kruger - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Jan Kruger – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Forest fans couldn’t believe Gibbs-White’s lack of involvement against Andorra, as Tuchel handed him just one minute off the bench.
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He didn’t start tonight’s friendly against Senegal, either, but he was substituted on for Anthony Gordon in the 58th minute.
The 25-year-old certainly impressed, as he gave England much more of a threat in the final third, darting into the box and linking the play superbly.
Although, there were questions around his positional sense for Senegal’s second goal.
Here’s what the Telegraph had to say about Gibbs-White’s cameo.
5/10 – “Heavily involved after coming on but it wasn’t all good. Positionally questionable for the Diarra goal, and should have finished off the opportunity after Eze’s flick. Did set up an opening for Saka.”
The Standard stated.
7/10 – “Brought some energy off the bench and drew a strong save from Mendy. Teed up Saka for a good chance, too.”
The Mirror added.
“On his home turf the Nottingham Forest star showed what he can do when finally given an opportunity. He has largely been an onlooker during this set of games but made up for lost time when he was introduced in the second-half. The forward continued to be creative and was central to England’s best efforts as they went in search of an equaliser.”
Gibbs-White stats
According to Sofascore, Gibbs-White completed 14 of his 16 passes, with one considered a key pass that should’ve led to a goal.
32 minutes
20 touches
88% pass completion
1 key pass
1 shot on target
The Forest star received glowing praise from the ITV commentary team, with Lee Dixon saying: “Gibbs-White has been involved in everything since he came on.”