COLE PALMER kept up his 100 per cent penalty record on his first England start – though Harry Kane was desperate to be subbed on and steal his spot-taking duties!
Chelsea star Palmer broke the deadlock from 12 yards against Bosnia after VAR had spotted a shirt-tug on Ezri Konsa.
Regular taker Kane was being readied to come on as Palmer was waiting to take his spot-kick, having netted 13 out of 13 for his club this term.
And boss Gareth Southgate revealed afterwards the Bayern Munich star was trying to convince his boss to bring him on in time to take the penalty.
The Three Lions chief Southgate said: “He had the audacity to ask to come on and to score the penalty which was never going to happen!”
Kane did manage to score after he did come on, poking home his 63rd goal for his country four minutes after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sweet volley had doubled the lead.
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But it was man-of-the-match Palmer who caught the eye most, boosting his chances of not only being included in Southgate’s Euros squad but also in the starting XI.
Southgate said: “He showed moments of what he’s about. It’s of course his first start for us.
“There’s more to come as he feels more comfortable in the group and we get to feed him the ball as he needs it.
“He can play in a couple of different positions. He’s had a fabulous season and there’s no reason he can’t have a big impact for us.”
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Palmer’s strike on his third cap added to a stunning 22 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League this term in his maiden campaign for Chelsea.
Asked if he had done all he could to get a spot on the plane to Germany, the £45million summer signing from Manchester City replied: “I hope so.
“Tonight wasn’t my best game.
“It’s been a long season and my first start for England, so hopefully I’m going to Germany.”
Kane was making his first appearance since coming off with a back injury in Bayern’s dramatic defeat in the Champions League semi-final to eventual winners Real Madrid last month.
But he looked in good nick when he came on at St James’ Park – and reckons the rest could help this summer.
Asked if his nation will get a fully fit Kane at the Euros the former Tottenham hero replied: “I think so.
“It’s almost worked in my favour missing the back end of the season because it gave me more of a chance to get more of a rest than I would have.
“I’m not someone who takes too long to get sharp and it was nice to get a goal to get that feeling back again.
“I’m feeling good, a lot of the end of the season was precautionary, there was a big summer coming up, so we didn’t want to take any risks with it.”
Southgate was impressed with his captain’s fitness and confirmed he will start in Friday’s final warm-up game before the tournament against Iceland at Wembley.
Southgate added: “Our plan was half an hour and he will start on Friday. He’s trained all week, so no problems, he looks in good shape.”
Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold also caught the eye, beginning the game in midfield before finishing it at right-back, where he crashed home his third goal for his country.
His 121 touches was more than any other player, while his passing impressed against a stubborn Bosnian backline.
Asked where he would deploy the 25-year-old at the Euros, at right-back or midfield, Southgate replied: “It could be either.
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“In a game like tonight we felt there was going to be more space where his quality at full-back could help us. That’s something against wing-back systems that could be helpful.
“In midfield, of course he’s still really learning and discovering the role. Positionally at times it’s going to be different for him. But you saw moments of quality with his passing, the slid passes, the longer passes, both are good options for us.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
