Major England weakness exposed as Thomas Tuchel left with key problems to solve | OneFootball

Alarming Senegal loss proved that arguably the greatest pillar of strength under Gareth Southgate has now crumbled

A lacklustre win over Andorra left you with the feeling that Thomas Tuchel’s honeymoon period as England manager was over, but defeat to Senegal confirmed it.

It was around this time three years ago that England were thumped 4-0 by Hungary on a toxic night at Molineux. Much of Tuchel’s reign so far has focused on issues in attack and how he gets the best out of the abundance of talent at his disposal in those forward positions.

But this defeat to Senegal served as a reminder that England have just as many questions to answer in defence. Senegal had six shots in the first half, which is the most England have faced in the opening 45 minutes of a game since a 2-2 draw with Brazil in 2013.

It was also only the second time in their history that England have opened the scoring in a home game and then gone on to lose by two or more goals. Under Southgate, the defence was a key reason for England’s success and they benefitted from a settled backline.

The focus has been on the attack, but Senegal proved England have just as many questions in defence

The back three of Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker largely picked itself, as did the wing-back duo of Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier. At Euro 2020, arguably England’s peak under Southgate, they conceded just two goals in seven games.

In fact, England’s defensive record under Southgate was solid at major tournaments, shipping 20 goals in 26 matches. Only at the 2018 World Cup, Southgate’s first major tournament, did they concede on average more than a goal a game.

That defence, however, is being broken up. When naming his squad for this camp, Tuchel spoke about how it is a “natural process”. All five of those regular defenders under Southgate will be aged 30 or over when the World Cup starts next year.

Tuchel overlooked Maguire, Shaw and Trippier for this squad, while Stones was unavailable due to injury. Walker, however, started the defeat by Senegal and it turned out to be a chastening night for him.

At 35, the right-back can, more than anyone else, point to feeling the effects of a gruelling season, but he was on his heels for Senegal’s opening goal as Ismaila Sarr stole in ahead of him.

Walker’s game has been built around his pace and the worry is that he looked short of it on Tuesday night, which left you wondering how he will be in a year’s time in the summer heat of the USA.

When announcing his squad for this camp, Tuchel said how he felt change is coming and perhaps this loss to Senegal will be the catalyst for it. There are, however, so many unknowns and it would be difficult for anyone, including Tuchel, to predict what England’s defence will be in a year’s time.

Night to forget: Kyle Walker struggled badly for England in their chastening defeat by Senegal

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Walker’s difficulties should open the door for Ben White, whose stock has risen despite not playing this month. White would suit how Tuchel wants to play as he can operate in a back three or four, while he also has a connection with Bukayo Saka on the right flank from Arsenal.

Tuchel is a fan of Reece James, though, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s game could go to another level after joining Real Madrid.

On the other flank, Myles Lewis-Skelly appears to be the No1 left-back. Tuesday was a difficult night for him and he was out of position for Senegal’s second goal. Lewis Hall will provide competition there, but beyond that England again look light on depth at left-back.

Then there is the heart of the defence. Dan Burn’s rise has been a feel-good story, but the win over Andorra raised concerns about his ability on the ball.

Ezri Konsa has been solid and, like White, he probably benefited from not playing on Tuesday. Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah - the latter making his debut - did fine, but they did not shine.

It feels like the only certainty defensively is that Jordan Pickford should be England’s No1 next year. Dean Henderson started well on Tuesday, making three decent saves early on, but he was slow to come off his line for Senegal’s second goal.

Sticking with Pickford would leave Tuchel with one less problem to solve amid what feels like a growing list of issues to address. Six months into his time as England boss, he has been left with more questions than answers.