PLAYER RATINGS: England defender has an evening to overlook however Eze stars
England got their preparations underway for Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park.
Cole Palmer‘s second-half strike from the penalty spot opened the scoring for an experimental England side, as Gareth Southgate gave auditions to a number of England hopefuls.
Palmer and Eberechi Eze were given their first starts for the national team and impressed, while Southgate gave debuts to Jarrad Branthwaite and Adam Wharton as second-half substitutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s volley added some gloss on the win, before Harry Kane stepped off the bench to notch his 63rd England goal with an easy tap-in.
Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE assessed the players’ performances and how many staked a claim for the final Euros squad in the win.
England began their preparations for the Euros with a 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
There were England debuts for both Jarrad Branthwaite and Adam Wharton in the second half
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s volley made it 2-0 before Harry Kane completed the scoring
Jordan Pickford – 6
Nervy early kick after pre-match boos from Geordie crowd. Decent save before break and a spectator thereafter.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Won penalty when shirt was tugged and came close to scoring in first half. Not tested defensively but looks uncertain at right back.
Lewis Dunk – 6
Was better than March internationals, when he had a shocker. Hardly troubled all game, however.
Marc Guehi – 4
Very poor in possession, twice gifting the ball to Bosnia and almost cost his side a goal. A night to forget.
Marc Guehi missed the chance to force his way into the starting line up with a nervy showing
Kieran Trippier wore the armband at his home ground and put in a solid performance
Kieran Trippier – 6.5
Had to prove fitness more than anything and looked sharp. Steady showing from skipper and will probably start at Euros.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7
Nice enough on the ball and never wasteful, even if penetration could have been better. But wonderful finish for late goal.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Part of a largely pedestrian midfield showing first half. Came into it more second half and did well. Unlucky not to score after good run.
Jarrod Bowen – 6.5
Impressed in March internationals but did not do enough here by comparison, despite one or two bursts of promise.
Cole Palmer – 7
Took penalty coolly, and that is a tournament tick. Cute pass to create chance for Watkins and one of better performers in uncompetitive field.
Cole Palmer netted his first England goal from the penalty spot in the victory over Bosnia
The night’s biggest bright spot came in the form of man of the match Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze – 7.5
Bright, purposeful and powerful, and for that he stood out. Stiff squad competition in those areas but did himself no harm here. MOM.
Ollie Watkins – 5
Should have done better with early opening when shot was saved and rarely threatened. Still does not convince for England.
SUBS
Harry Kane (on for Watkins 62) 7
Jack Grealish (on for Palmer 62) 6.5
James Maddison (on for Eze 62) 6
Adam Wharton (on for Konsa 62) 6.5
Jarrad Branthwaite (on for Guehi 62) 5.5
Joe Gomez (on for Dunk 74) 5
