England boss Gareth Southgate showered praise on three of his Euro 2024 hopefuls following Monday’s 3-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina at St. James’ Park.
The Three Lions swept aside the visitors in the second half as Cole Palmer opened his account for the national team from the spot on the hour mark.
Late goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and substitute Harry Kane completed a routine win in their preparations for this summer’s tournament in Germany.
Southgate is tasked with whittling his 33-man provisional squad down to 26 ahead of their opening group game against Serbia on 16 June. Palmer and Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze made a strong case for inclusion as part of the team’s front four.
Southgate praises England trio
“Cole linked the game well for us,” Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live following the Chelsea star’s full debut.
“I thought he tried to be a little too precise a couple of times on finishes that, if he’d taken a little bit earlier, he might have got his shot away. But it was lovely for him to get his first goal.
“Eze played with that freedom and swagger that he plays for his club with. It’s great to see a young player come into our environment and be able to do that.
“You saw that ability to glide past people in the middle of the pitch and the power he has as well.”
Adam Wharton faces tall odds to make the final England squad for the Euros, but the Palace midfielder enjoyed an encouraging debut off the bench.
“He played as he’s trained,” Southgate said. “He receives well, he’s very composed and he plays forward, which sounds simple but is not a simple thing to do.
“He plays a lot of one-touch football and can see a picture when the ball arrives with him. He’s had a really good few days with us.”
