Thomas Tuchel felt his England side looked a "bit frozen" as they turned in a limp performance to lose 3-1 to Senegal at the City Ground on Tuesday.
The Three Lions lost to African opponents for the first time in the 22nd such match as Tuchel was beaten for the first time as manager at the fourth attempt.
Harry Kane scored after just seven minutes, meaning he has scored in all four of England’s games under Tuchel, marking the first time ever that a player has netted in each of a manager’s first four matches in charge of the Three Lions.
But goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Cheikh Sabaly consigned England to a disappointing defeat, which came just three days after another lacklustre showing in the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra.
Speaking to ITV Sport after the game, Tuchel said: "Yeah of course, it's a disappointing result.
"I'm not sure if we did not deserve a little bit more result-wise. It felt a bit frozen, not active enough for a long time over the match.
"We defended quite well for long periods in the first half and then our best period came when we were 2-1 down. We conceded the first two goals - very easy goals, we need to defend better.
"The reaction was good after we were down. We suddenly were more active, more free, more fluent, more aggressive. We had big chances to equalise."
England thought they had equalised at 2-1 down when Jude Bellingham poked home from a corner but the goal was ruled out after referee Stephanie Frappart went to check the pitch-side monitor after being advised to do so by the VAR.
Frappart decided that Levi Colwill had handballed before Bellingham scored and ruled the goal out.
Speaking about that decision, Tuchel said: "I just saw it, it looks more the shoulder than the hand.
"I saw it as a goal needs to be checked, it is the first time the referee revisits a goal. So either it is a mistake, so take it away. Or it's not a mistake, so it's a goal."
Yokbciostu
0
with all these Chelsea players u want to call, sacking is loading.
Funny how Madueke was the best player in the win against Andorra and Bellingham was a waste in both games. Maybe he should stop being called up cos he is better at kicking coolers than kicking a ball. Clown.
Yokbciostu
0
The idea that an unintentional handball in your own box is not a penalty but a foul when done anywhere else is one of the most idiotic rules in football.
wowadrsyz
0
with all these Chelsea players u want to call, sacking is loading.
Kaeabeimt
0
tuchel will cause england pain
Dosalmpstz
0
You people need to recheck your work before posting.Grammar mistakes are becoming increasingly common these days.
Mr Grammer, did you also check yours before posting to see your error? Please do the needful now..
wohelsty
0
You people need to recheck your work before posting.Grammar mistakes are becoming increasingly common these days.
Pls mr. grammar, do the necessary corrections or better still, ignore them, so long the message is understood. Which one com be your own?
Caebklmyz
8
You ain't seen nuthin yet, England. Your players are psychologically lazy due to too much praises and self pride. Moreover they always play surprisingly antiquated football and don't listen to their coaches. This thrashing from Senegal is just the beginning. Up Senegal. ♥️👏💥😀
akiamo
0
You people need to recheck your work before posting.Grammar mistakes are becoming increasingly common these days.
full of trash typing here📍
akiamo
1
welcome to Africa, and dare to meet the "Taranga Lions' at own peril!
Kesadlor
0
another amorim
NFK97
1
No need to blame players. Your team selection and tactics were just Southgate like. Just a pure disgrace
stimmingjohnny
1
So it's not coming home? 🤣😂🤣
Sam81468
1
Tuchel will be sacked before the World Cup
Tuzbilnoz
0
You people need to recheck your work before posting.Grammar mistakes are becoming increasingly common these days.