England fans might have been looking for a bit for spark in their first Euro 2024 warm-up game, but once the substitutes came on, the Three Lions looked their usual selves and eased to a 3-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Gareth Southgate’s side looked static against a very negative opponent during the first half, but Eberechi Eze dazzled and Cole Palmer broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, awarded after a VAR review.
Then the cavalry arrived and the likes of Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and James Maddison helped England turn the screw, with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring a sumptuous volley before Kane made sure of victory from close-range.
GOAL rates England’s players from St James’ Park…
Midfield
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):
Made a slow start in midfield and his passing was a bit off. Once he moved to right-back in the second half, he showed his usual class, spraying passes around before scoring a wonderful volley.
Conor Gallagher (7/10):
England’s most energetic player, flying into tackles and looking combative throughout. But sometimes too hasty to get the ball forward when he needed to take a breath.
Eberechi Eze (8/10):
The standout player during his hour on the pitch, causing havoc with his quick feet. Should have assured his seat on the plane if there was any doubt about it.
Attack
Jarrod Bowen (5/10):
Would have wanted to have made more of a mark given the opposition. Blunt in the first half, a little livelier in the second.
Ollie Watkins (4/10):
Hardly got involved in the first half, touching the ball just three times in the first 36 minutes. Had two decent openings but sent both straight at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. A missed opportunity, especially with Ivan Toney lurking.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Lively and crafty but took one touch too many on occasion. Had a tiny bit of fortune with his penalty, but his spot-kick record, which now stands at 10 from 10, bodes well for potential shootouts.
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Subs & Manager
Harry Kane (6/10):
Looked a tiny bit slow when he came on but got his customary goal.
Adam Wharton (6/10):
Didn’t look fazed on his England debut.
James Maddison (6/10):
Gave England a bit more spark and had a hand in the second goal.
Jack Grealish (7/10):
Thrived with the game stretched and played a lovely cross to set up Alexander-Arnold.
Jarrad Branthwaite (6/10):
Looked comfortable on his debut.
Joe Gomez (6/10):
Got forward more than Trippier.
Gareth Southgate (6/10):
Played an experimental team and the first half was undoubtedly dull, but these games usually are and he naturally wanted to see as many players as possible. His substitutions got the job done.
