In an international friendly match at the City Ground yesterday, England lost 3-1 to Senegal, their first-ever loss at the hands of African opponents in their 22nd encounter with countries from that continent.
In 21 prior encounters with African opponents, the Three Lions had faced and defeated African powerhouses such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
But the Teranga Lions overcame a 1-0 deficit to win, ending the winning run.
England’s first loss under Thomas Tuchel came as goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Chiekh Sabaly overturned Harry Kane’s early opening.
After a brilliant play combining Eberechi Eze and Conor Gallagher, England took the lead at seven minutes. Gordon then fed Anthony Gordon for a poor shot, which Edouard Mendy spilled, allowing Kane to stab home.
With five minutes remaining in the first half, Senegal equalized when Nicolas Jackson nipped in behind Chelsea teammate Trevoh Chalobah after Gana Gueye lofted the ball over the top. Sarr then outran Kyle Walker to poke home the equalizer.
Senegal took the lead in the sixty-second minute. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Levi Colwill were severely exposed by Kalidou Koulibaly’s searching pass, which gave Diarra the opportunity to cut in from the right and nutmeg the FA Cup winner with Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson at his near post.
When the Chelsea defender collided with a Noni Madueke corner on minute 84, Bellingham believed he had equalized for England, but the attempt was disallowed for handball against Levi Colwill.
After Curtis Jones lost control in the 93rd minute, Lamine Camara set up Chiekh Sabaly, who lost Chalobah and scored the third goal.
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