Henry Winter 🤖Tuchel: “We had big problems in the one-on-one duels, the physicality and athleticism in the duels. We were second best for long periods in the 1st half. We said at half-time we needed to step up in the one-on-one duels, with more physicality. We were better 2nd half.” #ENGSEN
Tuchel honeymoon over. England booed at final whistle. Tuchel booed as he walked down tunnel. Time for doubting Thomas. He wanted England to play with a smile. But England’s season ended with a scowl, game ended with boos, game ended with England’s best passer, Alexander-Arnold still on the bench. What a waste. And England’s best player, Jude Bellingham, not arriving until 71 mins. England deservedly defeated and outclassed by opponents struggling to qualify for World Cup from CAF Group B. Tuchel has to take responsibility. His 4-2-4/4-2-2-2 system didn’t work, his subs didn’t work (although Gibbs-White grew in influence). So strange to see England without a centre-forward when Kane went off. Rogers is not a No 9. Toney arrived too late (88). Five other issues raised by the game….
1.Positives. There were some. Better pressing. Kane’s goal (7) stemmed from Gallagher and Eze ambush. More attacking intentions than against Andorra. Gordon decent, but missed chance. System didn’t really help Saka. Eze lively. Dean Henderson beaten through his legs for Senegal second. Otherwise did well. Pickford, rightly, remains No 1 but Henderson confirms he’s an able understudy. Saves from Jackson, Sarr, Gueye. No chance against Sarr equaliser. Or Sabaly (93) as 3-1. Left exposed by his defence. But definitely England’s No 2.
2.Negatives 1. No leadership. Nobody rallying the players. No urgency. Needed Bellingham on earlier to fight the malaise, to take fight to Senegal. No precise, long passing to release the frontrunners. England have one of their best passers since Glenn Hoddle and Tuchel doesn’t use him. Trent stayed by the Trent.
3.Negatives 2. Kyle Walker has been a great servant for England but his race is run. He will be 36 at the World Cup so what was the point starting him? Why not unleash Alexander-Arnold’s creativity? One good cross from Walker. Caught out by Diouf for pace, which rarely happened in past. Caught out for concentration by Sarr. Wasn’t goalside. Bad mistake for such an experienced defender. No more Mr Reliable. At left-back, Lewis-Skelly rarely stepped into midfield. England missed Konsa at centre-back. Tuchel’s two-man midfield eclipsed by Senegal’s. England vulnerable to the Senegal counter.
4.Senegal far more fluid side. Malick Diouf impressive, attacking left-back. Jackson more commanding than at #CFC, more confident. Ismaila Sarr a threat even before goal (40). Habib Diarra great run in behind for Senegal second (62). Koulibaly sweeping ball, Gibbs-White didn’t react, Lewis-Skelly caught out of position, Colwill didn’t get across, Diarra coolly placed ball between Henderson’s legs and in. Sabaly’s composed finish for 3-1 (92).
5.England roadshow works. Surprise, surprise. England belong to the nation, not to Wembley and the FA. Great atmosphere here at the City Ground. At the start. Also a celebration of #NFFC influence on England down the years. Wonderful tifo salute to Viv Anderson in Trent End. FA still has to pay off Wembley, and double the gates, but occasional games round the country work, and trip to Villa Park for Andorra visit in September (and why not FA Cup semis back?). Mood turned second half. Paper planes, jeers. “Tuchel out,” one fan shouted. But fans mainly applauded players. #ENGSEN
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✅ VICTOIRE : 🏴1-3🇸🇳
Quelle est votre analyse de cette victoire des Lions du Sénégal ?
