Euro 2024: Southgate Embraces Selection Dilemma After England Warm-up Win

• Gareth Southgate admits to a “selection headache” for the final squad announcement.
• After England defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 at St James’ Park in their first Euro 2024 warm-up match.
• Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Kane scored the goals.

Eko Hot Blog reports that England secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park, following a much-improved second-half performance in their first Euro 2024 warm-up match.

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An England line-up, expected to differ significantly from the one facing Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener in 13 days.

They struggled to create chances against the defensive setup of new Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez before half-time.

Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer had been among the few bright spots for Gareth Southgate up to that point.

But the Three Lions returned from the dressing room reinvigorated and eventually overpowered their opponents.

Palmer netted a well-deserved opener, his first goal for England, from the penalty spot on the hour mark after VAR spotted a shirt pull on Ezri Konsa in the area.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then added an exquisite second with a cushioned volley into the far corner.

Harry Kane, who entered the game shortly after Palmer’s opener, added a late third with a typical poacher’s finish.

Celebrating his 90th England cap, he poked home from a corner, giving the hosts a margin of victory that slightly flattered their overall performance.

After the game, Southgate admitted the performance of some players had given him a “selection headache” ahead of Friday’s deadline to pick his final 26-man squad.

“That’s a good thing,” he told Channel 4.

“I’d rather have good performances that make you think rather than poor performances.

“There were lots of individual things I was pleased with.”

In his post-match press conference, he later added: “We’re still discussing [the final squad] as a staff.

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“It’s a decision that we understand the significance of for all of the players, so we’re giving it the respect it deserves to make fair, right decisions.

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