England turned in an extremely underwhelming performance at the City Ground on Tuesday night as they were beaten 3-1 by Senegal.
There was little on the line in Nottingham in a friendly at the end of a busy season, but manager Thomas Tuchel will still be frustrated with what he saw from his players.
His unbeaten start to life in charge of the Three Lions is over and the German will be pondering many questions with the World Cup just a year away.
Harry Kane had given England an early lead and, despite a bright start from the visitors, it seemed like it could be a routine evening for the hosts.
It was anything but the case as Senegal were by far the more impressive team, looking more dynamic in midfield and more threatening up top. Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr equalised before half-time, proving to be far more switched on than a tardy Kyle Walker.
On 62 minutes Habib Diarra put the African side ahead, bursting clear down the right channel and calmly finishing through Dean Henderson’s legs. Cheikh Sabaly scored the third on the break at the death.
England played like they were not too fussed about a summer friendly, while Senegal were bang up for it and deserved their win.
Dean Henderson – 6
England had their goalkeeper to thank for only conceding one in the first half as Henderson made a string of good saves.
He will be frustrated with the nutmegged second for Senegal, but it would be harsh to blame him for it.
Kyle Walker – 3
Not a great outing for the veteran who will be a concern going forward for Thomas Tuchel. He was on his heels as Ismaila Sarr beat him to the ball for Senegal’s first and was booked soon after for a loose tackle.
Roy Keane said of Walker on Sarr’s goal: ‘I think he’s been lazy. He’s a vastly experienced player and he just can’t be bothered getting back in.’
Trevoh Chalobah – 5
Looked solid and sharp on his debut for England and could have a future in the middle of defence, if he can nail down a place in the Chelsea team next season.
Levi Colwill – 4
Came up against his Chelsea teammate Nicolas Jackson over the piece and didn’t look especially comfortable. He was very lucky not to allow the striker in on goal when he was nearly robbed at the back. Also booked for a clumsy foul on Jackson.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 4
The Arsenal wonderkid was a bit anonymous and certainly couldn’t show off the dynamism he has displayed at times for the Gunners. He was missing in action as Diarra steamed through down his flank to score Senegal’s second. Taken off in the dying minutes.
Declan Rice – 4
Couldn’t really impose himself on the game at all as England failed to control the game on home soil. Replaced on 71 minutes.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Good energy and lively as ever, showing his use to win the ball high up the field. Along with Eze he helped gain possession and set-up England’s opener. Replaced on 58 minutes.
Bukayo Saka – 4
Very quiet for most of the game but was only denied a goal by a brilliant Edouard Mendy save on 68 minutes. Replaced on 71 minutes.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Helped make the first goal by winning the ball with Gallagher and nearly set up a second with a superb flick into Gibbs-White’s path. Flashes of threat, but that was all.
Anthony Gordon – 5
His fairly tame shot ended up leading to Kane’s opener as it was parried into the captain’s path. He showed brief signs of danger on the left and got into a brilliant position to score but somehow fluffed a brilliant chance from a Walker cross.
Replaced on 58 minutes.
Harry Kane – 6
A fairly typical Harry Kane performance for England as he was in the right place at the right time to score the goal but did little else that will linger long in the memory.
Always committed, he was nodding balls away in his own penalty box and took his international tally to 73 goals. Replaced on 58 minutes.
Substitutes
58 mins – Morgan Gibbs-White – 5
58 mins – Curtis Jones – 4
58 mins – Morgan Rogers – 4
71 – Jude Bellingham – 5
71 – Noni Madueke – 4
88 – Ivan Toney – N/A