England 3-0 Bosnia Player Ratings: Ebere Eze emerges as secret weapon, Cole Palmer makes case for Euro 2024 start | Football news

England began their preparations for the European Championship with a 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James' Park thanks to goals from Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Harry Kane.

An experimental side picked up their pace after a lackluster first half and Palmer, who has scored nine penalties for Chelsea this season, broke the deadlock with his first English goal in the 60th minute from the penalty spot after Ezri Konsa had been shot into the box.

Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold, who was one of the highlights of the evening, doubled their lead in the 85th minute with his third goal for England when he shot from a tight angle. Kane scored four minutes later when he pushed the ball home from close range after a scrum in front of goal.

Several key players, including midfielder Jude Bellingham, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid on Saturday, were absent, but the game essentially depended on manager Gareth Southgate who had to decide which seven players to ax before the deadline on Friday for their team of 26 players.

Aerial sports assesses who played well and who should be given a lifeline when England host Iceland in their final friendly on Friday at Wembley before heading to Germany.

English player ratings

Jordan Pickford – 6

A strange selection considering his importance to the England team and his roots at Sunderland. I even went into the away locker room at halftime. Very little to be gained from his selection at St James' Park when two of Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson or James Trafford could have shared a few minutes to test their temperament in case a number 2 was needed in Germany. Fortunately underworked.

Ezri Konsa – 7

Given the nod at right-back, where he has excelled at times for Unai Emery's Aston Villa. He had a chance when the ball fell to his feet inside the box and wasted a good opening on an overlapping run, but his versatility – he then moved to left back and then centre-back – makes him a very viable option. Always a threat from set-pieces, and it was his presence that forced the jersey to be retired for England's first match.

Kieran Trippier – 6

Evening captain for his 47th selection but problematic position for England. The more progressive Luke Shaw has returned to training and should be risked even at 75 percent ahead of Trippier for his courage with the ball and his drive. The conservative cuts on his right foot slowed everything down.

Marc Guéhi – 6

A late pass that Haris Hajradinovic failed to punish summed up England's labored first-half display. His lack of playing time for Crystal Palace due to injury resulted in a rusty performance.

Lewis Dunk-7

Preferred over Jarrad Branthwaite for his experience, Dunk looked more assured in an England shirt than during much of the 2023/24 campaign with Brighton. Southgate likes him and Dunk responded positively to this show of faith. Made some important blocks for England and managed to save a few efforts from corners in a composed display at the back.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8

When not under pressure, his passing range was on full display. A ball clubbed into the path of Watkins earned a goal, another first time ball created another opening. In his sixth start in midfield for England, any lingering doubts about his ability to make the transition are allayed. The goal capped off the player of the match presentation.

Conor Gallagher-7

Typically industrious in the double pivot alongside Alexander-Arnold. Assumed Jordan Henderson's role in Southgate's setup. A reliable, no-nonsense performer whose experience puts him ahead of Kobbie Mainoo in the pecking order.

Eberechi Eze – 7

A fascinating moment midway through the first half saw him play with three Bosnian defenders, slaloming through challenges, releasing the ball to a teammate before being knocked to the ground. The left side of Southgate's attack is up for grabs and Eze hasn't hurt his chances.

Cole Palmer – 8

A nice weighted pass into a tight pocket of space freed Watkins for a first-time chance. Was given permission to drift wide and underlined his huge promise with quick feet leading to a low shot. He slipped while taking his penalty but didn't prove costly. If Southgate uses him this summer, it must be in a free role.

Jarrod Bowen – 6

Replaced by the absent Bukayo Saka in just his eighth England cap on the right side of midfield and although he improved in the second half, he faces an anxious wait. Stayed for the duration of the match and was denied his first England goal by his own teammate, Konsa. Southgate must decide who Saka's understudy is if the Arsenal man suffers another injury setback, but he may have to look beyond Bowen.

Ollie Watkins – 6

Showed good strength and honesty to stay on his feet when brought down by Nikola Katic, running at goal only to have his shot saved. It was the best for the Aston Villa striker, who was well organized and on the sidelines thereafter until his replacement.

Submarines

Harry Kane (for Watkins, 61) – 7

Celebrated goal number 63 in the England jersey. His mere presence immediately after Palmer's penalty unsettled Bosnia as they retreated into their shell. Had two half-chances at both positions in 10 minutes before a rasping shot from the same spot Alan Shearer scored his favorite Newcastle goal against Everton. Showed no signs of the Bayern playoff blues.

James Maddison (for Palmer, 61) – 5

He took an excessive free kick, but provided some spark going forward and had a few chances, including skewing an effort. Played as if it was a free kick awarded to him after a disappointing second half of the season for injury-plagued Tottenham. With the options available to Southgate, it becomes difficult to justify his place on the plane.

Adam Wharton – 6 (on Eze, 61)

He always showed the ball by separating the two central defenders. Almost all of Southgate's midfield options prefer to move forward in a more advanced role. It may come too soon this summer, but having someone with Wharton's discipline bodes well for the future. Worked well alongside Gallagher in the center of midfield and recycled the ball well.

Jack Grealish – 7 (for Trippier, 61 years old)

Collected Alexander-Arnold's match-winning pass to set up Maddison for a decent opening and teed up Alexander-Arnold for England's second. His lack of football leaves a question mark but a tournament without his personality both on the ball and in the camp seems incomplete.

Jarrad Branthwaite – 6 (in place of Guehi, 61 years old)

Handed his first minutes for the first time after playing just six times in the Premier League before this season. A slight surprise given his club's form he didn't start, but given the versatility of Southgate's other defensive options – and his clear preference for Dunk and Guehi as understudies to John Stones and Harry Maguire . A quiet end to the half for the defender who seemed calm at the back. Reserve.

Joe Gomez – 6 (for Dunk, 73)

Featured at rear left. Another flexible option but another right foot. The Liverpool defender also had a quiet end to the match and was solid in the closing stages.

Key dates for England

All times BST

Friday June 7 – international friendly match, England v Iceland at Wembley, kick-off 7:45 p.m.

Friday June 7 – Final squad of 26 players submitted to UEFA

Saturday June 8 – Announcement of the final squad of 26 players

Monday June 10 – The England team flies to Germany

Saturday June 16 – Serbia vs England, Gelsenkirchen, kick-off at 8 p.m.

Thursday June 20 – Denmark vs England, Frankfurt, kick-off at 5 p.m.

Tuesday June 25 – England vs Slovenia, kick-off at 8 p.m.