Senegal made history on Tuesday night at the City Ground in Nottingham, becoming the first African side to defeat England in 22 attempts. The Teranga Lions stunned the Three Lions 3-1 in a pulsating international friendly, extending their own unbeaten streak to 24 matches.

It was a night of firsts and frustrations. England, under new manager Thomas Tuchel, were handed their first loss in four games, while Senegal sent a loud reminder of African football’s growing prowess on the global stage. Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Cheikh Sabaly ensured Senegal walked away with more than just bragging rights.

England had struck first through Harry Kane in the 7th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy spilled Anthony Gordon’s shot. But that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Senegal found their rhythm late in the first half when Nicolas Jackson danced down the flank and picked out Sarr, who slipped past Kyle Walker to level the score in the 40th minute. From then on, it was all Senegal.

Diarra gave the visitors the lead in the 62nd minute, calmly slotting past Dean Henderson after a slick ball over the top left England’s defence scrambling. As England pushed for an equaliser — with Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham trying to inspire a comeback — Mendy stood tall between the sticks, denying a curling effort from Saka.

In the dying moments of stoppage time, Cheikh Sabaly sealed the deal with a third for Senegal, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters and loud boos from the England crowd.

A potential equaliser from Jude Bellingham was ruled out due to a handball in the build-up, compounding England’s misery on a night where very little went their way.

After the match, England skipper Harry Kane didn’t hold back.

“Not good enough,” he told reporters. “We had moments, but with and without the ball, things aren’t clicking. We’ve lost that aggressive nature that we had.”

Tuchel echoed the concerns, saying:

“Disappointing result. Felt a bit frozen for most of the match. We conceded two easy goals and only reacted when we were behind. But we had chances — we just didn’t take them.”

Tuchel made 10 changes from Saturday’s uninspiring 1-0 win over Andorra, giving fringe players a chance to shine. But instead, it was Senegal’s intensity, precision, and resilience that told the story.

Senegal were far more threatening throughout, registering nine shots on target compared to England’s four. The African champions showcased sharp pressing and fluid attacking football that overwhelmed an experimental England side.

While the loss won’t affect England’s qualification campaigns, it certainly raises eyebrows as the World Cup looms closer.

“We’re not going to panic,” Kane insisted, “but we know we need to be better. New ideas, new players, but no excuses. The World Cup is coming fast.”

For Senegal, it’s a night for the history books. For England, it’s a night to regroup.