Palmer Nets First England Goal in Convincing 3-0 Victory Over Bosnia in Euro 2024 Warmup

Cole Palmer marked his debut start for England with a clinical penalty as the Three Lions secured a 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Euro 2024 warmup match on Monday.

Palmer, the 22-year-old Chelsea forward, confidently converted a spot-kick in the second half at St. James' Park in Newcastle, notching his first international goal.

In his third appearance for England, Palmer showcased his form from Chelsea, making a strong case for inclusion in Gareth Southgate's Euro squad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, deployed in midfield rather than his usual right-back position, was another standout performer for England, netting the second goal and delivering an energetic performance.

Harry Kane, returning from injury, came off the bench in the second half to score England's third goal in the final moments of the game.

Despite an inconsistent display from an understrength England side, Southgate expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting the absence of major injury concerns.

The victory over Bosnia follows a series of mixed results for England, including draws against North Macedonia and Belgium, and a loss to Brazil in recent fixtures.

Palmer, Alexander-Arnold, and Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze enhanced their prospects for selection in the final Euro squad with impressive performances.

Southgate praised Palmer for his contribution, stating, "I thought Cole linked the game well for us. Lovely for him to get his first goal."

He also commended Eze for playing with "freedom and swagger," while highlighting Alexander-Arnold's qualities.

However, Ollie Watkins, Conor Gallagher, and Jarrod Bowen failed to seize their opportunity to impress during the match.

With the squad set to be trimmed down by seven players ahead of the Euro 2024 deadline, Southgate faces tough decisions as England prepares for their Group C opener against Serbia on June 16.

Despite the absence of key players such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire, England's young lineup showed promise against Bosnia.

Palmer and Eze threatened the Bosnia defense with their pace and movement, while Alexander-Arnold's goal showcased his attacking prowess.

The match saw a significant improvement from England in the second half, culminating in Palmer's penalty, Alexander-Arnold's volley, and Kane's late goal.

Southgate revealed that Kane had expressed a desire to take the penalty himself upon entering the game.

"Pressing his case to start at the Euros, Alexander-Arnold grabbed his third international goal with a superb volley from Jack Grealish's cross," the England manager noted.

Kane completed the scoring with a close-range finish in the dying moments, securing a convincing victory for England as they continue their preparations for the upcoming tournament.