The City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest, is set to host a highly anticipated international friendly between England and Senegal on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025.
The fixture marks a historic moment for the stadium, as it welcomes the senior England men’s team for the first time in 84 years.
The announcement, made by Nottingham Forest on their official website, has ignited excitement among football fans, particularly within the Black British community and supporters of African football.
The match will see the reigning African champions, Senegal’s “Lions of Teranga,” test their mettle against a newly configured England side led by Thomas Tuchel, who took the helm following Gareth Southgate’s retirement last summer.
This friendly serves as a crucial part of England’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tuchel expressed his enthusiasm for the fixture, stating, “While I know Wembley is our home, I also understand the importance of taking the team around the country when we are able to, and the opportunity to experience playing at a famous old English stadium such as the City Ground is one we can all look forward to.”
Senegal, still basking in the glory of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory, where Sadio Mane’s decisive penalty sealed a 4-2 shootout win over Egypt, will aim to showcase their talent on English soil.
Under the continued guidance of Aliou Cisse, the Teranga Lions are determined to maintain their formidable reputation.
The City Ground’s history with the England national team dates back to a wartime friendly against Wales in 1941. The last competitive match played at the stadium was in 1909, also against Wales.
This upcoming fixture will bridge a significant gap in the stadium’s international football legacy.
Adding to the local interest, Nottingham Forest has recently seen its players represent the Three Lions. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White have earned senior caps, while Elliot Anderson debuted for the Under 21s earlier this season, highlighting the club’s growing contribution to English football.
The match is strategically scheduled three days after England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Andorra, allowing Tuchel to experiment with his squad and assess player fitness.
For Senegal, this friendly provides a valuable opportunity to compete against a top-tier European nation, fine-tuning their strategy and cohesion.
