Cole Palmer netted his first goal for England, inspiring a 3-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Euro 2024 warm-up match on Monday.
The Chelsea forward scored a clinical penalty in the second half at Newcastle’s St James’ Park during his maiden start for the Three Lions.
In only his third appearance for England, the 22-year-old showcased his impressive Chelsea form, strengthening his bid for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also shone, scoring England’s second goal while playing in midfield, a position favored by Southgate.
Harry Kane, returning to fitness, came off the bench to net the third goal in the final moments, adding a flattering finish to an otherwise inconsistent performance by an understrength England side.
England’s first win in four games, following a draw with North Macedonia and matches against Brazil and Belgium, leaves Southgate with more questions than answers.
Players like Palmer, Alexander-Arnold, and Eberechi Eze boosted their chances of making the Euro squad, while others like Ollie Watkins, Conor Gallagher, and Jarrod Bowen missed opportunities to impress.
Southgate must reduce his provisional 33-man squad by Friday, just before their final warm-up against Iceland at Wembley.
With England among the favorites to win the Euros, their quest for a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup intensifies.
Facing Bosnia with a lineup missing key players such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Maguire, Palmer and Eze showed early promise but England’s first-half performance was lackluster.
The second half saw an improvement, culminating in Palmer’s penalty after Benjamin Tahirovic fouled Ezri Konsa.
Newcomers Jarrad Branthwaite and Adam Wharton debuted for England, while Alexander-Arnold added a superb volley from Jack Grealish’s cross. Kane sealed the win with a late goal, capitalizing on a deflection from James Maddison’s pass.
