ENGLAND’S warm-up games ahead of major tournaments under Gareth Southgate have generally been ‘meh’ – and this was no different until a late flurry of goals.
Southgate selected his B team, really, with two players making their first start, five with fewer than ten caps and just six goals between the whole starting XI.
Unsurprisingly, it led to a pretty dull affair against a Bosnia and Herzegovina side ranked 74 in the world but one still up for the fight at St James’ Park.
That was until a second-half blitz from England, sparked by a Cole Palmer penalty on the hour after VAR had told the ref to have another look at a shirt-pull on Ezri Konsa.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, starting again in midfield, made it 2-0 with a lovely volley late on from Jack Grealish’s cross – though by then the Liverpool man was playing right-back.
Then to cap it off Harry Kane squeezed home his 63rd goal for his nation coming off the bench
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Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do on his 61st cap.
Most entertaining moment was when he was comically booed by fans as his name was read out before kick-off in St James’ Park – due to his Sunderland connections.
61st cap. Comically booed when his name was read out before kick-off for his Sunderland connections.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Won the penalty that gave England the lead when Benjamin Tahirovic’s shirt pull brought him to the ground.
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The Aston Villa man also came close to his first England goal in what was his third cap when stabbing a shot from eight yards in the first half, but was denied by a smart stop.
Lewis Dunk – 7
Many fans were expecting the Brighton skipper not to be in this squad, let alone starting, after his poor showing in the March friendlies.
But the Albion man repaid Southgate’s faith with an assured display at the back on his sixth cap, not that Bosnia’s attack gave him much to worry about.
Marc Guehi – 6
Guehi has only seen 108 minutes of action since injuring his knee against Dunk’s Brighton on February 3.
Perhaps that rustiness explained his slack pass midway through the first half which may well have given a goal away, were it not for a Alexander-Arnold intervention. But apart from that, was pretty solid.
Kieran Trippier – 6
Captained his side on his 47th cap on his home ground, and was given a rapturous reception throughout.
But how effective he really is playing out of position at left-back remains a big question mark.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
Seems to be growing into the midfield role, with this the fifth time he has played there in his last six England appearances.
A lovely ball over the top just after the break could have led to an assist but Ollie Watkins could not connect.
There was nothing wrong with Trent’s connection to sub Jack Grealish’s cross in the final five minutes though as he volleyed in his third goal for his country.
Conor Gallagher – 6
Good energy from the Chelsea man playing in the deeper role in the absence of Declan Rice.
But he did not provide the drive from midfield that Rice brings, and at this stage you would think he would be starting on the bench rather than in the team for England’s first Euros game against Serbia.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
Rarely got a look-in in the first half until he fired a shot away in anger in stoppage time.
Was more involved after the break and was always a willing runner. With all the technicians at Southgate’s disposal, don’t underestimate the importance of players who put in the hard yards.
Would have got his first England goal had Konsa not blocked his effort on the line in the build-up to Harry Kane’s third.
Cole Palmer – 7
Capped his first start for his country with his first goal, proving himself as reliable from the penalty spot for his nation as he is for his club.
Showed flashes of his undoubted talent with a drop of the shoulder here, a clever pass there. Did his chances of a starting berth, or at least first reserve, no harm at all.
Eberechi Eze – 7
Like Palmer, was on his third cap and first start for his country.
He also showed glimpses of what he can bring to the party, with a couple of mazy dribbles, offering Southgate food for thought.
Ollie Watkins – 5
Did not quite have his shooting boots on before being taken off on the hour.
Could not beat the keeper with an early strike when doing well to stay on his feet, and what other half-chances came his way he could not convert.
Not a bad display by any means, but once again not a particularly convincing one at this level on his 13th cap.
Subs
Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins (61) – 8
Grabbed his 63rd goal by squeezing an effort through the goalkeeper’s legs, and was a threat as soon as he came on.
Jack Grealish for Ebere Eze (61) – 7
Teed up Trent with a lovely cross and looked lively – which was timely given his place in the squad is under threat.
James Maddison for Cole Palmer (61) – 6
Pretty lively in the final stages.
Jarrad Branthwaite for Marc Guehi (61) – 6
Came on for his England debut and looked comfortable.
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Adam Wharton for Kieran Trippier (61) – 6
Crystal Palace teenager was handed his debut off the bench.
Joe Gomez for Lewis Dunk (73) – 6
Filled in at left-back when introduced.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
