Kane scores in friendly defeat – Laimer with assist

While some of the FC Bayern squad have already arrived in Orlando for the Club World Cup, two of FCB’s internationals still had assignments with their countries on Tuesday evening – with mixed results. Konrad Laimer and Austria eased to a routine win over San Marino, but Harry Kane and England suffered their first defeat under coach Thomas Tuchel in a friendly against Senegal.

Kane on target – England beaten by Senegal

Bayern goal-getter Kane was on the end of a 3-1 defeat against Senegal in the friendly at the City Ground in Nottingham. England made a good start, with Kane once again on the scene. The captain reacted quickest in the seventh minute when Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy parried Anthony Gordon’s low shot, tapping in to make it 1-0. In doing so, he became the first English player to score in the first four international matches under a new coach.

But the Three Lions lost their way after that and Ismaila Sarr levelled for the African side shortly before half-time. In the second half, Habib Diarra punished a defensive mix-up to make it 2-1 before Cheikh Sabaly finished off a counter in the closing stages, just after Jude Bellingham’s supposed equaliser had been disallowed for handball following a VAR review. Having been substituted in the 59th minute, Kane was unable to turn the tide, with his goal proving to be the only highlight for the Brits. 

Austria win 4-0 – Laimer provides assist

The evening went better for Laimer: the all-round midfielder started in Austria’s 4-0 away win in San Marino in World Cup qualifying and was directly involved in the second goal. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Laimer initiated an attack that Michael Gregoritsch finished off with a placed shot in the 11th minute. Marko Arnautovic netted a brace either side of that, with Christoph Baumgartner’s header making it 4-0 already after 27 minutes.

Coach Ralf Rangnick’s men comfortably saw out the result after that, albeit missing opportunities to stretch their lead. The win brings Austria within touching distance of leaders Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group H – with a game in hand and better goal difference. Laimer impressed as usual in midfield with his running and assurance in possession.

How Monday’s internationals went: