Thomas Tuchel faces the harsh realities of coaching as England suffers an unexpected defeat to Senegal, marking their first loss to an African team. Despite a promising start with an early goal by Harry Kane, England quickly fell apart, conceding three goals and facing criticism from fans. Senegal, recent Afcon champions and a formidable opponent, showcased their strength, benefiting from controversial VAR decisions. The loss demands strategic reflection for Tuchel, highlighting the evolving landscape of international football where unexpected results can redefine histories and expectations.
From the very beginning, they showed they wanted to win. Ever the diplomat, Thiaw also offered some encouragement to Senegal's beaten hosts. Well done to England as well, they showed some good form in certain periods of the game.
Cheikh Sabaly's stoppage-time goal was exactly the kind of emphatic exclamation point that will empty a home stadium with maximum efficiency, leaving Senegal's players to celebrate with their fans in a sole joyous corner of the City Ground.
England's men's side had never lost to an African nation before, but a record that probably should have fallen at Italia 90 was finally claimed in June 2025 and deservedly so.
Senegal may have benefited from funky interpretations of both the handball rule and VAR intervention when Jude Bellingham's equaliser was chalked off, but this was their night.
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