Cole Palmer made a memorable first start for England, guiding Gareth Southgate’s side to a 3-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina
Aoba Tanaka
2 min read
In a thrilling friendly match at St James’ Park, Cole Palmer made a memorable first start for England, guiding Gareth Southgate’s side to a 3-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina. As the countdown to Euro 2024 continues, this win offers valuable insights and hope for the national team.
England’s lineup, featuring several changes, struggled to find cohesion in a scrappy affair. However, the breakthrough came at the hour mark when Palmer confidently converted a penalty after Ezri Konsa was pulled back at a corner. This goal marked a significant moment for the 22-year-old forward, who has had a stellar season across various competitions.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold secured the win with a brilliant volley at the far post five minutes from time. Captain Harry Kane later added a close-range finish, giving the scoreline a more convincing appearance.
Eberechi Eze, another debutant from Crystal Palace, impressed with his lively performance until he was substituted. His display gave manager Southgate much to consider as he finalizes his squad for the upcoming tournament in Germany.
Before England’s late surge, the game saw few opportunities. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was thwarted by an early save from Bosnia-Herzegovina’s keeper, Nikola Vasilj. Alexander-Arnold, playing in a midfield role, displayed glimpses of his passing prowess.
Southgate utilized the friendly to make several changes post-break, awarding first full caps to Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton. With one more friendly against Iceland at Wembley before the serious action starts, Southgate has a final chance to assess his squad.
What Did Gareth Southgate Learn?
The experimental lineup, due to the absence of several first-choice players, resulted in a disorganized and uninspired first hour. Despite the rocky start, England finished strong, with late goals from Alexander-Arnold and Kane emphasizing their superiority.
Palmer’s composed penalty showcased his potential and likely secured his spot on the plane to Germany. His goal capped off a remarkable campaign that began at Manchester City and continued as Chelsea’s standout performer. His scoring achievements now span the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, European Super Cup, Community Shield, and international football.
Alexander-Arnold’s goal from Jack Grealish’s cross highlighted his attacking capabilities, compensating for a lackluster first half where he struggled with possession. His second-half performance, displaying his full range of passing, was a significant positive.
Eze’s performance was another highlight, offering a glimpse of his potential to influence Southgate’s final squad decisions. His dynamic play and creativity could be crucial as England looks to bolster its attacking options.
Overall, the match left Southgate with much to ponder. While there were few standout performances, the friendly against Iceland will be crucial in shaping the final squad. Southgate’s selection for that game will reveal more about his strategic thinking as England aims for glory in Germany, hoping to break their ‘nearly men’ tag and end the title drought stretching back to the 1966 World Cup.
