Senegal Stun England in Nottingham with 3-1 Win
Wafricnews - June 11, 2025
The England national team suffered a historic blow at the hands of African champions Senegal, losing 3-1 in a friendly match at the City Ground. The defeat marks England’s first-ever loss to African opposition, and adds more pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel, whose side is struggling to find rhythm ahead of next year’s World Cup.
The England national team suffered a historic blow at the hands of African champions Senegal, losing 3-1 in a friendly match at the City Ground. The defeat marks England’s first-ever loss to African opposition, and adds more pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel, whose side is struggling to find rhythm ahead of next year’s World Cup.
England Open Strong, but Senegal Roars Back
Despite taking an early lead through captain Harry Kane, England looked unsettled from the start. Senegal, full of energy and confidence, gradually took control.
Ismaila Sarr punished a lapse from Kyle Walker to equalize just before half-time, and in the second half, Habib Diarra capitalized on poor defending to beat Dean Henderson with a calm finish.
England thought they had drawn level again through substitute Jude Bellingham, but VAR ruled it out for a debatable handball against Levi Colwill. That call proved decisive.
In stoppage time, a poor free-kick from Noni Madueke sparked a Senegal counterattack that ended with Youssouf Sabaly calmly finishing the third, confirming a famous win for the African giants.
Controversy Over VAR Call
The disallowed goal raised questions, as the ball appeared to brush Colwill’s upper arm unintentionally. According to FIFA rules, the goal should only be disallowed if the handball was deliberate — which many fans and players contested.
Kane spoke out after the game: “If you know the rules, it’s not handball. It gets us back to 2-2. Maybe we go on to win.”
Frozen Performance, Fiery Reactions
Tuchel admitted post-match that his team looked “frozen,” echoing concerns from their uninspired 1-0 win over Andorra just days earlier.
“We only became aggressive when we were already behind,” Tuchel said. “It’s disappointing. We created chances, but we lacked urgency and defensive sharpness.”
England’s attack showed flashes of promise, with Gibbs-White, Saka, and Bellingham creating opportunities, but Edouard Mendy stood tall for Senegal.
Roy Keane Calls Out Kyle Walker
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was blunt in his assessment of veteran right-back Kyle Walker, who was at fault for Senegal’s first goal.
“He was lazy,” Keane said on ITV. “He’s experienced enough to know better. He just couldn’t be bothered to recover.”
Walker, now 35, has spent the latter part of his season on loan at AC Milan and may be facing questions about his future in the national setup.
Tuchel’s Choices Questioned
Tuchel’s squad rotation also came under scrutiny. Only Kane retained his starting place from the Andorra match. Rising striker Ivan Toney was introduced in the 88th minute, too late to make an impact.
“We were preparing him, but things changed quickly with the disallowed goal,” Tuchel said, defending the decision.
England Stumble Again in June
England’s struggles in June internationals continue — not long ago, they lost 4-0 to Hungary. But with the World Cup looming, these growing pains may be turning into something more worrying.
As Senegal celebrated their historic triumph on English soil, boos rang out from the home crowd in Nottingham. For Tuchel and England, time is running out to find answers.
Quick Facts:
- Final Score: England 1 – 3 Senegal
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
- England Goal: Kane (13')
- Senegal Goals: Sarr (44'), Diarra (64'), Sabaly (90+4')
- Key Decision: Bellingham equalizer disallowed for Colwill handball
By Wafricnews Sport Desk.
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