June 4, (THEWILL)- England’s preparations for UEFA Euro 2024 kicked off with a 3-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James’ Park on Monday night. Debutants Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze started brightly for the Three Lions, creating chances that were kept out by Nikola Vasilj in the Bosnian goal. The hosts dominated the first half but could not break the deadlock before the interval.
The match remained goalless until the 58th minute when a foul on Ezri Konsa resulted in a penalty kick, coolly converted by Palmer for his first international goal. Gareth Southgate’s introduction of Harry Kane, James Maddison and Jack Grealish injected further impetus.
In the 85th minute, Grealish’s pinpoint cross found Trent Alexander-Arnold, who volleyed home emphatically. Kane then added a third in the closing stages, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to complete a comprehensive victory.
The win extends England’s unbeaten run in Newcastle to over 90 years and provides a positive start to their Euro 2024 build-up under Southgate. For debutant Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez, it was a difficult first outing against elite opposition.
Southgate will be pleased with Kane’s return from an injury scare and Palmer’s overall display as the Chelsea player had an impressive full debut, capped by opening the scoring from the penalty spot. England now turn their attention to the final Euro warm-up against Iceland, while Bosnia will look to regroup.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
