England’s preparations for the European Championship began in earnest with a 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park.
After a drab first half, Cole Palmer’s penalty, a brilliant first-time finish by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane’s close-range strike settled a one-sided friendly.
An experimental England XI were flat in the opening 45 minutes illuminated by Eberechi Eze, but livelier after the interval, with Gareth Southgate making a string of changes following the opening goal.
Here’s how we rated the England players…
Jordan Pickford 6
Did not have a serious save to make. If we’re nit-picking, he fluffed one kick and flapped at one corner.
Ezri Konsa 7
A threat at attacking set-pieces and won England’s penalty when he was dragged down by his shirt.
Earlier had an effort parried by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj in an encouraging run out. Started at right-back, finished at centre-back – his versatility is an asset.
Lost possession with a loose pass leading to a Bosnian chance late in the first half in a slightly jittery showing. Booked.
Lewis Dunk 6
Occasionally a little clumsy but did his job on the rare occasions Bosnia threatened in the final third.
Kieran Trippier 6
Tidy in possession but offered little in the way of thrust down the left flank, frequently looking to cut back on his right foot.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8
Outstanding after the interval, both in midfield and after switching to right-back for the final half an hour. Took his goal superbly.
Conor Gallagher 7
Will be encouraged to get 90 minutes to show what he can do in the engine room. Industrious and tenacious without the ball but a little wasteful with it.
Jarrod Bowen 7
More involved after the break and was a threat down the right, his energy and directness unsettling Bosnia’s defence.
Cole Palmer 7
Scored from the spot in his last action of the game. Not at his sharpest but made an early chance for Watkins and got into some promising positions.
Eberechi Eze 8
Comfortably England’s liveliest player in a pedestrian first half. Always looked to take on his man and his directness and control were eye-catching.
Ollie Watkins 6
Had a couple of efforts saved in a slow first half and occasionally threatened to get behind the Bosnia defence.
Subs
Harry Kane (Watkins 62’) 8
Immediately offered England more of a focal point in attack and went close with a fierce long-range effort before a poacher’s finish in the box added to his goal tally.
James Maddison (Eze 62’) 7
Sharp and made the third goal with a cut-back. Still, Eze’s performance meant he may ultimately be one of the night’s losers.
Adam Wharton (Trippier 62’) 7
Composed on his debut, albeit in relatively low-pressure circumstances. Clearly comfortable receiving possession in tight areas.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Guehi 62’) 6
Comfortable on the ball but had no defending to do as England dominated the final half an hour. Booked.
Jack Grealish (Palmer 62’) 8
Made the second goal with a brilliant ball for Alexander-Arnold and also involved in the build-up to the third. A timely reminder of his quality.
Joe Gomez (Dunk 73’) 6
Solid in a late run out but feels behind Konsa in the race to be England’s utility man at the back.
