Aksel Kryhlmand
The loss ends England’s 21-game unbeaten streak against African teams and raises questions about their squad cohesion and tactical flexibility.
The loss ends England’s 21-game unbeaten streak against African teams and raises questions about their squad cohesion and tactical flexibility.
Senegal Stun England with Historic 3–1 Win on English Home Court
Senegal delivered a statement performance in Nottingham last night, defeating England 3–1 and becoming the first African nation ever to beat the Three Lions.
The result also extended Senegal’s unbeaten streak to 16 games underlining their rise on the international stage.
Fast-Paced Start as Kane Strikes Early
England opened the match with urgency, and after Dean Henderson denied Nicolas Jackson with a sharp save in the 5th minute, the hosts took the lead moments later.
Anthony Gordon’s drive was parried by Édouard Mendy, and Harry Kane was on hand to bury the rebound for a 1–0 lead by the 7th minute.
Sarr Levels the Score Before the Break
Senegal responded with pressure and nearly equalized through Ismaïla Sarr’s powerful header, brilliantly saved by Henderson.
The equalizer finally came in the 40th minute, with Jackson setting up Sarr to fire precisely into the bottom left corner, making it 1–1 just before half-time.
England Struggles as Senegal Turn the Tide
England looked sluggish after the half point, and despite a triple substitution including Morgan Rogers, Curtis Jones, and Morgan Gibbs-White, they conceded again.
Habib Diarra unleashed a fierce shot into the bottom right corner in the 62nd minute to put Senegal ahead 2–1.
Mendy Keeps Senegal in Front with Superb Saves
England pushed back, with Bukayo Saka and Gibbs-White both going close.
Saka’s low drive in the 68th minute was expertly saved by Mendy, while Gibbs-White forced another sharp stop after a clever through ball. Still, Senegal’s defence and keeper stood tall.
Substitutions Shape Final Stages
As the match wore on, both sides made changes.
England brought on Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke, while Senegal introduced Cheikh Sabaly and Boulaye Dia. Ivan Toney also joined the fray late, replacing youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
VAR Denies Bellingham in Late Controversy
In the 84th minute, Jude Bellingham pounced on a rebound and rifled home what seemed to be the equalizer. But celebrations were cut short.
The referee signaled a VAR-review, and the goal was disallowed for a handball by Levi Colwill leaving England stunned.
Sabaly Seals It in Stoppage Time
As England committed bodies forward, Senegal punished them on the break.
In the 90+3rd minute, Lamine Camara threaded a perfect pass to Cheikh Sabaly, who kept his cool in the box and slotted home to make it 3–1 clinching a famous victory.
Defensive Discipline, Clinical Finishing
Senegal combined disciplined defending with ruthless finishing.
Despite of English pressure, their organisation and composure never wavered, especially under the late game tension.
A Wake-Up Call for Tuchel’s England
The loss ends England’s 21-game unbeaten streak against African teams and raises questions about their squad cohesion and tactical flexibility.
With World Cup qualifiers approaching, Tuchel faces a pressing need to recalibrate.
Man of the Match: Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)
Sarr was electric throughout the match, scoring the equalizer, creating danger from the flanks and earning the Man of the Match award.
His blend of pace, positioning, and clinical finishing set the tone for Senegal’s success.