Senegal became the first African team to beat England in 22 games on Tuesday, winning 3-1 in a friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham, UK.
The result meant Senegal stretched their unbeaten streak to 24 games, thanks to goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly.
England’s loss, which included a disallowed late goal from Jude Bellingham for a handball in the build-up, was their first defeat in four games under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
“Not good enough,” captain Harry Kane told reporters.
“We had moments, but with and without the ball things aren’t clicking, we’re not finding the right tempo. We’ve lost that aggressive nature that we had.”
This was after Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Anthony Gordon’s shot but spilled the ball into the striker’s path.
The hosts conceded for the first time under Tuchel when Sarr caught Kyle Walker napping to poke in Nicolas Jackson’s cross in the 40th minute.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 62nd when Diarra latched onto a ball over the top then fired through goalkeeper Dean Henderson’s legs.
Sabaly struck deep into stoppage time, prompting boos from England fans after the final whistle.
“We’re not going to panic but we know we need to be better,” Kane said.
Senegal peppered Henderson with nine shots on target to England’s four, including an early header from Sarr that the goalkeeper pushed wide of the post.
Gordon squandered a glorious chance to give England a two-goal lead in the first half when he mis-hit Walker’s cross from close range.
Mendy made a great late save to deny England what would have been an equaliser from Bukayo Saka before Senegal added their third.
“Disappointing result, not sure if we didn’t deserve a little bit more result-wise,” Tuchel said.
He added, “But felt again a bit frozen, not active enough for a long time of the match.
“We conceded the first two goals, very easy goals, that we needed to defend better.
“The reaction was good after we were down, suddenly more active, more free, more fluid, more aggressive toward the opponent’s goals. We had then big chances to equalise.”
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