England vs Senegal tips and predictions: Tuchel to experiment in Three Lions friendly

England state of play

Despite an unconvincing 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over minnows Andorra, Thomas Tuchel will be aiming to build on his promising start as England manager when his side faces African heavyweights Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.

The Three Lions head into this one off the back of a six-game winning streak, plus an unbeaten start under their new German manager, remaining undefeated in his three games in charge - scoring six goals and keeping three clean sheets. 

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A friendly against the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions awaits, as England hope to build momentum heading into their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. 

Encouraging signs are emerging, although the friendly in Nottingham gives the Champions League-winning coach with Chelsea a chance to experiment with his deep squad as he attempts to uncover the right formula. 

Senegal state of play

Pape Thiaw’s side, who have won five of his seven matches in charge, are preparing for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a trip to the home of football. 

The two-time AFCON winners will be hoping to get revenge on their hosts after losing to England 3-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

The Lions of Teranga are certainly no pushovers, entering the clash on a 15-game unbeaten run across all competitions, including a 1-1 draw against Ireland on Friday.

Currently occupying second place behind Congo DR in their World Cup qualification group, Senegal will fancy their chances in a friendly encounter where both sides could ring the changes. 

Senegal’s squad features several familiar names, including Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr, and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.

However, former Liverpool favourite Sadio Mane is missing after asking to be excused for Senegal’s two friendlies in this international window. 

Key talking point: A night of auditions is in store for England’s prospects

As is often the case with international friendly matches, it’s hard to know if we’re in for an exhilarating end-to-end encounter or a drab, slow-paced affair. 

Both managers will undoubtedly use the fixture to assess their squads and give some fringe players an opportunity to impress. 

For England, Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White will be looking to shine on home turf, while Morgan Rogers will be aiming to build on his excellent season at Aston Villa by giving Thomas Tuchel something to think about. 

We could also see a surprise inclusion in Ivan Toney being given some minutes in an England shirt once again, with the former Brentford man’s 28 goals in 42 appearances for Al-Ahli convincing the new England boss to take a closer look. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s impressive youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly should start as he aims to cement himself as England’s first-choice left-back, while Trevoh Chalobah has received his first senior call-up and could feature given Marc Guehi’s absence. 

England have some potential game-changers who will be looking to stake a claim, making it a big night of auditions in Nottingham. 

FIRST’s top tip for England vs Senegal  

While picking Harry Kane is tempting, there is very little value on some of England’s usual scorers. However, Morgan Gibbs-White will be desperate to influence the game in front of the Forest faithful and could fire England to victory.

Morgan Gibbs-White to score and England to win - 10/3 (betway)

Extra tips 

Should Bukayo Saka return to full fitness in time, then I fancy the Arsenal star to show Tuchel just how important he is to the team with a goal on the night.

Bukayo Saka to score anytime - 19/10 (betway)

Ivan Toney might start the game on the bench for England, but he’s capable of finding the back of the net when he does come on after being selected in the squad for the first time since Euro 2024.  

Ivan Toney to score anytime - 21/20 (betway)

Team news

For England, as mentioned, Bukayo Saka is suffering from a minor fitness issue, although he could return. 

Additionally, Jude Bellingham has been included in the squad despite the midfielder’s upcoming shoulder surgery. Other than that, England have a clean bill of health. 

As for Senegal, there are no injury issues to report since head coach Pape Thiaw named his squad for the friendlies in Ireland and England. 

Thiaw has handed a first call-up to midfielder Mamadou Lamine Camara, who earns his place after helping Renaissance Berkane win the African Confederation Cup.

England vs Senegal predicted line-ups: 

England: Pickford; Walker, Chalobah, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly; Jones, Rice, Eze, Gibbs-White, Saka; Kane (4-2-3-1)

Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs; Sarr, Gueye, Diatta; Sarr, Ndiaye, Jackson (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions) 

England: LWWLWWWWWW

Senegal: WWWWWDWDWD 

Odds correct at the time of writing