African Football History Made as Senegal Dominates Tuchel's England

In a result that sent shockwaves across the footballing world, Senegal achieved a historic milestone on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, by becoming the first African nation to ever defeat England. The Teranga Lions delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions in an international friendly held at Nottingham Forest's City Ground, inflicting the German manager's first loss since taking the helm of the England national team. This momentous occasion not only solidified Senegal's growing reputation on the global stage but also sparked significant questions about England's readiness and tactical approach under their new leadership, just a year out from the FIFA World Cup.
The match began with a flicker of familiarity for England supporters, as captain Harry Kane, in a continuation of his prolific form under Tuchel, found the back of the net in the seventh minute. This early goal, a tap-in after Anthony Gordon's low shot was parried by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, initially suggested a comfortable evening for the home side. However, this early advantage proved to be a false dawn. Senegal, exhibiting a blend of tactical discipline, raw pace, and technical prowess, steadily grew into the game, showcasing their intent and forcing England's defense into a series of uncomfortable moments. Dean Henderson, England's goalkeeper for the night, was called upon repeatedly in the first half, making five crucial saves to deny the visitors. This relentless pressure from the African champions eventually paid dividends.
The equalizer arrived in the 40th minute, a testament to Senegal's direct and incisive play. A long ball over the top of the English defense caught out Kyle Walker, who was caught napping. Nicolas Jackson skillfully kept the ball in play before squaring it for the onrushing Ismaila Sarr, who finished with composure to level the score. The goal highlighted a significant defensive lapse for England and served as a stark reminder of the attacking threat posed by the Senegalese side. The first half ended with the score at 1-1, a scoreline that, given Senegal's performance, felt entirely deserved.
The second half saw Senegal continue their ascendancy, demonstrating a clear superiority in key areas of the pitch. Their midfield controlled the tempo, winning individual battles and distributing the ball with purpose, while their forwards consistently exploited the spaces behind England's backline. The Three Lions, in contrast, appeared disjointed and struggled to find any rhythm or creative spark. Thomas Tuchel, who had made several changes to the squad that narrowly defeated Andorra just days prior, seemed to be grappling with how to ignite his team. The lack of cohesion was palpable, and the frustration among the home crowd began to grow.
Senegal's dominance was rewarded again in the 62nd minute. Habib Diarra, driving into the box, beat Dean Henderson with a shot that remarkably went through the goalkeeper's legs, giving Senegal a deserved 2-1 lead. The goal was a clear indication of the ease with which Senegal were able to penetrate England's defensive lines, and it further amplified the concerns surrounding the Three Lions' defensive solidity and tactical organization under Tuchel. Despite attempts to introduce fresh legs and inject some urgency into the game, England struggled to mount a sustained comeback. Jude Bellingham thought he had found an equalizer late in the second half, smashing home from a corner in the 84th minute, but the goal was agonizingly ruled out by VAR for a handball by Levi Colwill in the build-up. This disallowed goal seemed to deflate England's spirits and provided Senegal with the reprieve they needed to see out the game.
As the match entered stoppage time, Senegal delivered the final, decisive blow. A swift and incisive counter-attack, culminating in Cheikh Sabaly calmly slotting home, sealed a famous 3-1 victory. The goal was a fitting end to a night where Senegal had outplayed, outfought, and outwitted their more fancied opponents. The final whistle was met with a mix of celebration from the jubilant Senegalese contingent and a chorus of boos from the frustrated home supporters, who voiced their displeasure at England's underwhelming performance.
This historic defeat, the first for England against any African opposition in 22 attempts, marks a significant moment in football history. For Senegal, it is a testament to their continuous growth and development as a formidable force in international football, adding to their recent triumphs, including the Africa Cup of Nations. For England and Thomas Tuchel, the result serves as a stark wake-up call. It highlights areas of significant concern, particularly in defense and midfield, and underscores the considerable work that lies ahead if the Three Lions are to be considered genuine contenders for major tournaments in the future. The post-match reflections from players and coaches alike underscored the disappointment and the realization that a significant amount of soul-searching and tactical adjustments will be required before England next takes to the field.
Source@pulse Sports