Just three days after an unconvincing 1-0 win against Andorra in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, England once again disappointed. Their experimental defense proved especially vulnerable against Senegal’s quick and aggressive attackers.
For this warm-up match, Tuchel rotated much of his squad, keeping only Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane from his regular starters. Kane actually opened the scoring in the 7th minute, pouncing inside the box after a high press from Eberechi Eze and Conor Gallagher, followed by a mishandled shot from Anthony Gordon that Édouard Mendy failed to clear properly.
But things quickly unraveled for the hosts. Too passive in defense, they allowed Ismaïla Sarr to equalize in the 40th minute, well assisted by Nicolas Jackson. In the second half, Habib Diarra—the Strasbourg midfielder increasingly scouted by Premier League clubs—put Senegal ahead in the 62nd minute, taking advantage of a struggling English backline.
Despite the efforts of the substitutes, including Jude Bellingham, who had a late goal ruled out due to an accidental handball by a teammate, England couldn’t turn the game around. In added time (90+3’), Cheikh Sabaly sealed the victory with a lightning counterattack, triggering boos from the home crowd.
Clear-eyed but concerned, Harry Kane reacted after the match:
“We’re not going to panic, but it’s obvious we need to raise our game. The World Cup is coming fast.”
With this win, Senegal makes history by becoming the first African team to defeat England. A monumental performance, just months before what promises to be a fiercely competitive World Cup.
Editorial team/le7tv