England vs Senegal: Match Highlights, Tuchel’s VAR Controversy Comments, and Post-Match Reactions
England after scoring in the first ten minutes lost 1-3 to Senegal in the International Friendly On Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel suffered his first defeat as an England manager as the team conceded twice in the second half. Harry Kane who opened the scoring in the 7th minute was equalised by Ismaila Sarr toward the end of the first half.
Despite missing out on their talisman Sadio Mane, Senegal managed a triumphal victory over England. Losing their first game since October 2024, the Three Lions also lost their unbeaten record against Senegal. Crystal Palace man Eberechi Eze was presented with the man of the match despite their defeat.
Senegal became the first African nation to beat England on the International stage. Achieving this milestone, the players were seen erupted in joy at the full-time whistle. Comparing mindsets and the journey ahead, Tuchel in his post-match interview said:
“Not yet. We underperformed, we all want to do better. The expectations are high, it’s a learning phase, second camp, I hate losing but we go from there and we will be ready in September.”
“I never mentioned the weight of the shirt. But I get the point, I get it asked many times. I just ask if we would enjoy the same as Senegal if we would’ve won. It’s good to have expectations, it shows us or means something to play against us.”
England almost scored the second goal before it was disallowed by handball through VAR. Tuchel when asked about the decision said:
“I just saw it. It looks more like on the shoulder. What I don’t understand is, that it’s the first time the referee revisits a goal, so it’s either a mistake or take it away. But to look at it again and again, it’s against the rules or something I don’t know”
Taking about wanting to see all the players who deserve in action, Tuchel continued,
“We made a lot of changes because I wanted to see some players in the England shirt. They played for the first time together and some players might not get much caps. We do this without emotion, let it settle down and we’ll be ready with the right conclusions in September”
Tuchel will face Andorra and Serbia as their fixtures in September 2025. Losing to Senegal ahead of the season, fans have had mixed reactions to England’s performance. Tuchel will have months to analyse the voids as the World Cup Qualifier Campaign awaits them.
Many fans have raised an early wave of doubts if hiring Tuchel was the correct decision. While some would argue England’s best players started from the bench, Tuchel’s side never looked in control throughout the game.
England is on a good run since the start of 2024 losing only two games in the last 10. However, the lack of intent in the game against Senegal has appeared to worry some fans as the Tuchel era sustains its first defeat.
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