By Alex Fredrick
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away, England’s 3-1 defeat to Senegal in an international friendly at the City Ground has raised fresh questions about their readiness under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
The loss marked Tuchel’s first since taking over from Gareth Southgate and ended a three-match unbeaten run that included victories over Albania, Andorra, and Latvia. Despite the experimental lineup and non-competitive nature of the match, boos from the Nottingham crowd signaled growing unease among fans.
Tuchel Urges Calm Amid Criticism
Speaking after the match, Tuchel urged supporters not to panic. “It’s the second camp. There is a lot of learning going on for all of us,” he said. “It’s not the result we wanted, but we need to accept the criticism and stay calm. The World Cup is not next week.”
Tuchel fielded a rotated squad that included Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill in central defense, and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze on the wing. However, the changes seemed to unsettle the team, particularly in defense, where experience was lacking.
‘We Let the Country Down’
England midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White didn’t mince words after the match. “We let ourselves down. We let the country down. We let the badge down. It really wasn’t good enough,” he said. “We only started playing with freedom after going 2-1 down and that’s unacceptable.”
Senegal’s win was historic the first ever for an African team against England in 22 attempts and highlighted England’s vulnerability when under pressure.
A Team Still Searching for Identity
Since taking charge after Southgate’s resignation post-Euro 2024, Tuchel has been under pressure to redefine England’s playing style. But four matches into his tenure, many believe a clear tactical identity is still missing.
“There’s something missing,” said Roy Keane on ITV. “They don’t look like a happy group. Is there that proper spirit in the camp? I’m not so sure.”
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman echoed similar sentiments. “Senegal deserved the win. I expected to see England building on their existing system, not appearing directionless.”
Still Time – But Is It Enough?
England currently top their World Cup qualifying group with three wins from three. They will resume qualifiers against Andorra on September 6, with four more to follow, plus at least four friendlies, including one against Wales.
That leaves Tuchel with around nine matches to shape a cohesive, confident side capable of ending England’s 60-year World Cup drought.
Cautious Optimism or Cause for Alarm?
Former Manchester City player Michael Brown urged fans not to be overly pessimistic. “Let’s not go back to the usual negativity. Yes, we had inexperience in defense, and yes, the intensity picked up only after substitutions. But it’s still early in Tuchel’s reign.”
As the clock ticks toward 2026, England’s path remains uncertain. For now, the potential is there but so are the cracks.
