England conceded their first goal under Thomas Tuchel’s management in the 40th minute of his fourth game. Unfortunately for our former head coach, they would concede the next two goals of his tenure in the remaining 50 minutes of last night’s friendly against Senegal at the City Ground in Nottingham, and thus also suffer their first defeat with him in charge.
England took the lead early but then failed to build on that advantage and looked just as listless as they had against Andorra a couple days ago.
Nicolas Jackson, who had one of his better games of recent months, set up Senegal’s equalizer just before the half, then continued to play an important role as the eleven Lions of Teranga put two more past the Three Lions in the second period. The final 3-1 scoreline may have been slightly favorable towards Senegal, but England performed once again far below expectations. Senegal meanwhile have not lost a game outside a penalty shootout at the last Africa Cup of Nations in nearly two years.
Trevoh Chalobah got to make his senior international debut, starting alongside Chelsea teammate Levi Colwill. Ex-Chelsea boys Conor Gallagher, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy also started the game for their respective nations, while Noni Madueke got another runout, this time off the bench. England did appear to score from a Noni corner late on, but it was ruled out for handball. Cole Palmer and Reece James thankfully did not see any action.