Tuchel calls Man City player lazy! Says he won’t play for the country again Blames him for goal against Senegal!

The floodlights at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground illuminated what would become a thoroughly disappointing evening for English football. On June 10, 2025, Thomas Tuchel’s England side suffered a humbling 3-1 defeat to Senegal, a result that sent shockwaves through the footballing community and prompted one of the most withering critiques from legendary Manchester United captain Roy Keane in recent memory.

What began as a promising encounter for the Three Lions quickly devolved into a defensive masterclass of errors, with Kyle Walker finding himself at the center of a storm of criticism that would dominate post-match discussions. The Manchester City defender’s role in Senegal’s opening goal became the focal point of expert analysis, with Keane delivering a particularly brutal assessment that questioned not just Walker’s performance, but his very attitude toward the game.

The Match Unfolds: From Promise to Disappointment

Early Optimism and Harry Kane’s Leadership

The evening had started with considerable optimism for England supporters who had made the journey to Nottingham. Thomas Tuchel’s tactical setup appeared sound, and the early signs suggested that his team talks had resonated with the squad. Harry Kane, ever the consummate professional and England’s talismanic striker, provided the perfect start by finding the back of the net to give the Three Lions an early advantage.

Kane’s goal was a thing of beauty, showcasing the clinical finishing that has made him one of Europe’s most feared strikers. The build-up play demonstrated the kind of fluid movement and understanding that Tuchel has been working to instill since taking over the England reins. For a brief moment, it seemed as though the German manager’s tactical acumen was beginning to bear fruit, with England looking comfortable and in control of the proceedings.

The stadium atmosphere was electric, with England fans in full voice, believing they were witnessing the beginning of another memorable international performance. Little did they know that their evening would take a dramatic turn for the worse, exposing fundamental defensive weaknesses that would leave experts questioning the team’s readiness for major tournament football.

The Turning Point: Defensive Lapses Change Everything

The momentum shift came suddenly and devastatingly. Senegal, led by their experienced campaigners and energetic young talents, began to find their rhythm in the match. Their equalizer came through a sequence of play that would later be dissected frame by frame, revealing a catalogue of defensive errors that left Roy Keane and other pundits incredulous.

The goal itself was a masterclass in how not to defend set pieces and aerial balls. Trevoh Chalobah, the Chelsea defender who had been tasked with tracking his club teammate Nicolas Jackson, found himself in a challenging position as Senegal launched a high ball into the danger area. The coordination between England’s defensive players broke down catastrophically, with communication appearing non-existent at the crucial moment.

What made the goal particularly galling for England was the fact that they had ample personnel in the area to deal with the threat. The defensive shape that Tuchel had worked on in training sessions appeared to evaporate under pressure, revealing a lack of game management that would concern any international manager looking ahead to major tournaments.

Kyle Walker: From Hero to Zero

The Incident That Sparked Controversy

Kyle Walker’s involvement in Senegal’s equalizing goal became the defining moment of his evening and, arguably, one of the most scrutinized defensive errors in recent England history. The Manchester City right-back, who has been a stalwart of both club and country for the better part of a decade, found himself caught in a position that exposed every weakness in his defensive game.

As the ball sailed through the Nottingham night air, Walker’s positioning told a story of complacency and poor anticipation. Despite being in what should have been a prime defensive position, the experienced defender was caught completely off-guard as the ball arced over Chalobah’s head. His reaction time, usually one of his strongest attributes thanks to his exceptional pace, seemed sluggish and disconnected from the urgency of the situation.

The most damning aspect of Walker’s error was not just the initial positioning, but his complete inability to recover once he realized the danger. Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, alert and opportunistic, found himself with the kind of chance that international strikers dream of – unmarked, close to goal, and with time to pick his spot. Walker’s desperate attempt to close down the space came far too late, leaving him sprawling on the turf as Sarr’s shot found its way past England’s goalkeeper.

A Pattern of Declining Performance

This error was not an isolated incident in Walker’s recent international performances. Football analysts and keen observers of the England team had noted a gradual decline in the defender’s sharpness and decision-making over recent matches. The pace that had once made him virtually unbeatable in one-on-one situations seemed to be deserting him at crucial moments, while his positioning – always a strength of his game – appeared increasingly erratic.

The psychological impact of such errors cannot be understated at international level. Walker, who has been a cornerstone of England’s defense through multiple major tournaments, suddenly found his place in the team under intense scrutiny. The confidence that comes from years of consistent performance seemed to evaporate in the space of a few seconds, replaced by the kind of self-doubt that can be career-defining for international footballers.

Roy Keane’s Unflinching Analysis

The Legend’s Verdict

Roy Keane, never one to mince words or spare feelings when it comes to analyzing football performances, delivered one of his most scathing critiques in years while working as a pundit for ITV’s coverage of the match. The former Manchester United captain and Ireland international, whose own playing career was built on uncompromising standards and relentless pursuit of excellence, could barely contain his frustration as he watched Walker’s performance unfold.

“If this is a young right back, you’re thinking it’s inexperience,” Keane remarked with characteristic directness, his Irish accent lending additional weight to his words. “But I think he’s being lazy.” The word ‘lazy’ hung in the air like an accusation, and anyone familiar with Keane’s playing philosophy would understand the gravity of such a statement coming from a man who valued work ethic above almost all other footballing attributes.

Keane’s analysis went beyond the simple mistake, delving into what he perceived as a fundamental attitude problem. “He almost can’t be bothered getting back,” the pundit continued, his voice carrying the frustration of someone who had built a legendary career on the principle that effort and commitment were non-negotiable elements of professional football. “For a vastly experienced player, you can’t be making mistakes like that.”

The Deeper Implications of Keane’s Criticism

What made Keane’s criticism particularly stinging was not just its directness, but its implications for Walker’s future in an England shirt. The suggestion that laziness, rather than simple error, was at the root of the defender’s problems carried with it the implication that this was a correctable issue – if the player was willing to address it.

Keane’s critique also highlighted a broader concern about England’s mentality and approach to international football. Having been a player who demanded the highest standards from himself and his teammates throughout his career, Keane clearly saw Walker’s error as symptomatic of a wider malaise within the England setup – a lack of the kind of professional intensity that separates good teams from great ones.

The timing of Keane’s criticism was also significant. Coming in the immediate aftermath of the goal, with emotions running high and the error fresh in everyone’s memory, his words carried additional impact. This was not a considered analysis delivered days later in a newspaper column, but the raw, immediate reaction of a footballing legend who had witnessed standards he considered unacceptable.

Supporting Voices: Wright and Dixon Weigh In

Ian Wright’s Tactical Perspective

Ian Wright, the former Arsenal and England striker who has built a successful media career on his insightful analysis and passionate delivery, provided additional context to Keane’s criticism. “If Kyle gets in there, he probably clears that,” Wright observed, his comment highlighting the fundamental nature of Walker’s error. This was not a case of being beaten by superior skill or exceptional play from the opposition – this was a basic defensive situation that should have been well within Walker’s capabilities to handle.

Wright’s analysis was particularly valuable because of his perspective as a former striker. Having spent his playing career looking for exactly the kind of opportunities that Sarr was presented with, Wright understood better than most how rare and precious such chances are at international level. His comment underscored the magnitude of Walker’s error – not just that he made a mistake, but that he had gifted the opposition exactly the kind of chance that clinical international forwards rarely waste.

Lee Dixon’s Defensive Expertise

Lee Dixon, the former Arsenal and England defender, brought his own wealth of defensive experience to bear on the analysis. Having played in Walker’s position for both club and country, Dixon’s critique carried particular weight. “As a defender, you have to think the worst is going to happen,” Dixon explained, outlining the fundamental mindset that separates good defenders from great ones.

Dixon’s analysis went to the heart of defensive psychology. “The ball is going to be kept in, and you have got to be ahead of the game,” he continued, highlighting the anticipatory nature of top-level defending. This was not just about physical attributes or technical skills – this was about the mental side of the game that often determines success or failure at the highest level.

“Just look at Walker,” Dixon concluded, his words carrying the weight of someone who had faced similar challenges throughout his own international career. “Sarr is goal side. He has to expect the ball to come in. He just goes to sleep. Poor from Walker.” The phrase “goes to sleep” was particularly damning, suggesting not just error but a fundamental lapse in concentration that had no place in international football.

The Broader Context: England’s Ongoing Struggles

Tuchel’s Tactical Dilemmas

The defeat to Senegal raised serious questions about Thomas Tuchel’s tactical approach and his ability to instill the kind of defensive discipline that had been the hallmark of successful England teams in recent years. The German manager, who had arrived with a reputation for tactical innovation and defensive solidity, suddenly found his methods under intense scrutiny.

Tuchel’s decision-making throughout the match came under particular focus. His team selection, formation, and in-game adjustments all became subjects of debate as analysts tried to understand how a team that had started so promisingly could unravel so completely. The defensive shape that had looked solid in the opening exchanges seemed to disintegrate under pressure, suggesting that the players either did not fully understand their roles or lacked the discipline to execute them under pressure.

The manager’s substitutions and tactical tweaks also came under scrutiny. Critics questioned whether Tuchel had reacted quickly enough to the changing dynamics of the match, and whether his instructions from the touchline had been clear enough to prevent the kind of confusion that led to Senegal’s goals.

Systemic Issues Beyond Individual Errors

While Walker’s error provided an easy focal point for criticism, the defeat to Senegal highlighted broader systemic issues within the England setup. The lack of communication between defenders, the poor coordination on set pieces, and the general absence of the kind of game management that characterizes successful international teams all pointed to deeper problems that could not be solved simply by dropping individual players.

The mental fragility that the team displayed after conceding the equalizer was particularly concerning. Rather than responding with the kind of resilience and character that had carried England through difficult moments in recent tournaments, the players seemed to shrink under pressure, allowing Senegal to dictate the tempo and rhythm of the match.

The Senegal Performance: Credit Where Due

Tactical Discipline and Clinical Finishing

While much of the post-match analysis focused on England’s failings, Senegal’s performance deserved significant credit. Their tactical discipline, work rate, and clinical finishing in crucial moments demonstrated the kind of qualities that make African teams so dangerous in international competition.

Ismaila Sarr’s goal was a perfect example of predatory instincts in the penalty area. The Crystal Palace winger’s movement, positioning, and finish all demonstrated the kind of composure under pressure that international football demands. His ability to capitalize on Walker’s error showed why he has been such a consistent performer at both club and international level.

Habib Diarra’s contribution to Senegal’s second goal further highlighted the visitors’ tactical intelligence and ability to exploit England’s defensive weaknesses. The coordinated attacking play that led to the goal suggested a team that had done its homework on England’s vulnerabilities and was prepared to exploit them ruthlessly.

Lessons in International Football

Senegal’s performance provided valuable lessons about the unforgiving nature of international football. Their ability to maintain concentration and discipline throughout the match, even when facing early pressure from England, demonstrated the kind of mental strength that separates successful international teams from also-rans.

The visitors’ game management in the final stages of the match was particularly impressive. Rather than simply trying to hold onto their lead, they continued to press for additional goals, eventually being rewarded with Cheikh Sabaly’s late strike that put the result beyond doubt.

The Aftermath: Fan Reactions and Media Response

Social Media Explosion

The immediate aftermath of the match saw an explosion of reaction on social media platforms, with England fans expressing their frustration and disappointment in characteristically direct terms. Walker’s performance became a trending topic, with supporters debating whether the defender’s international career should be brought to an end.

The hashtag #WalkerOut began trending within hours of the final whistle, as fans called for Tuchel to drop the Manchester City defender from future squads. The level of vitriol directed at Walker highlighted the passion and expectations that surround the England national team, but also raised questions about the pressure that individual players face in the social media age.

Media Coverage and Analysis

The mainstream media’s coverage of the defeat was extensive and largely critical. Newspaper back pages across the country featured headlines questioning England’s defensive capabilities and Tuchel’s tactical approach. The consensus among football writers was that the performance represented a significant step backward for a team that had shown promise in recent matches.

Television and radio phone-ins were dominated by discussions about Walker’s future, with former players and fans alike debating whether the defender still had a role to play at international level. The tone of much of the coverage was harsh, reflecting the high standards that English football supporters demand from their national team.

Looking Forward: Questions and Challenges

Tuchel’s Selection Dilemmas

The defeat to Senegal has created significant selection headaches for Thomas Tuchel as he prepares for upcoming fixtures. The question of whether to persist with Walker or look for alternatives at right-back has become a defining issue that could shape the team’s trajectory in the coming months.

The German manager faces the challenge of balancing loyalty to experienced players with the need to find solutions that will deliver results. Walker’s track record and experience at major tournaments argue in his favor, but his recent performances suggest that change might be necessary.

Alternative options at right-back present their own challenges. Younger players may offer more energy and pace, but they lack Walker’s experience of big-match situations. The trade-off between experience and form is one that every international manager faces, but rarely with such stark consequences as those highlighted by the Senegal defeat.

Defensive Restructuring

Beyond the question of personnel, Tuchel faces the broader challenge of restructuring England’s defensive approach. The communication breakdowns and positional errors that characterized the Senegal performance suggest that systematic changes may be necessary rather than simple player replacements.

The manager’s training ground work in the coming weeks will be crucial in addressing these issues. Building understanding between defenders, improving set-piece coordination, and instilling the kind of game management skills that prevent individual errors from becoming team disasters will all be priorities.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment

The 3-1 defeat to Senegal at the City Ground may prove to be a defining moment in both Kyle Walker’s international career and Thomas Tuchel’s tenure as England manager. Roy Keane’s scathing criticism has focused attention on fundamental questions about standards, attitude, and commitment that go to the heart of what it means to represent one’s country at international level.

Walker’s error, while painful in isolation, has highlighted broader issues within the England setup that require urgent attention. The lack of defensive coordination, the absence of effective communication, and the general failure to manage the game situation all point to systemic problems that cannot be solved by changing individual personnel alone.

The path forward for England requires both tactical innovation and a return to the kind of basic defensive principles that Roy Keane and his generation took for granted. The combination of individual accountability and collective responsibility that characterized the most successful England teams of the past must be rediscovered if Tuchel’s side is to achieve its potential in upcoming major tournaments.

As for Walker, the veteran defender faces perhaps the most challenging period of his international career. The question of whether he can respond to criticism and regain the form that made him one of England’s most reliable performers will likely determine not just his own future, but potentially the defensive stability of the entire team.

The stakes could not be higher, and the lessons from this defeat must be learned quickly if England is to avoid similar disappointments in the fixtures that lie ahead. Roy Keane’s words, harsh though they were, may ultimately prove to be the wake-up call that both Walker and the entire England team needed to rediscover their winning mentality.