COLE PALMER maintained his 100 per cent penalty shootout record in his first England start – although Harry Kane was desperate to be replaced and steal his scoring duties!
Chelsea star Palmer opened the scoring from 12 yards against Bosnia after VAR detected a tug on Ezri Konsa’s shirt.
4
4
Regular taker Kane was being prepared to come on as Palmer waited to take his penalty, having scored 13 of 13 for his club this season.
And manager Gareth Southgate later revealed that the Bayern Munich star was trying to convince his manager to bring him in in time to take the penalty.
Three Lions boss Southgate said: “He had the audacity to ask to come in and take the penalty that was never going to happen!”
Kane managed to score after coming on, netting his 63rd goal for his country four minutes after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fine volley doubled the lead.
But it was Palmer, the man of the match, who caught the most attention, boosting his chances of not only being included in Southgate’s European squad but also in the starting eleven.
Southgate said: “He showed flashes of what he does. Of course it’s his first game for us.
“There is more to come as he feels more comfortable in the group and we can give him the ball when he needs it.
“He can play a few different positions. He’s had a fabulous season and there’s no reason why he can’t have a big impact for us.”
BEST UK BOOKMAKER FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERSs
4
Palmer’s goal on his third cap added to his impressive 22 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League this season in his first campaign for Chelsea.
Asked if he did everything he could to get a place on the plane to Germany, Manchester City’s £45m summer signing replied: “I hope so.
“Tonight was not my best game.
“It’s been a long season and my first game for England, so I’m hoping to go to Germany.”
Kane was making his first appearance since suffering a back injury in Bayern’s dramatic Champions League semi-final defeat to eventual winners Real Madrid last month.
But he looked in good form when he came on at St James’ Park – and thinks the rest could help this summer.
Asked if his country will get an in-form Kane at the Euros, the former Tottenham hero replied: “I think so.
“It almost worked in my favor to miss the end of the season because it gave me more of a chance to rest more than I otherwise would have.
“I’m not someone who takes a long time to get sharp and it was good to score a goal to get that feeling back.
“I’m feeling good, a lot of the end of the season was precautionary, there was a big summer coming up so we didn’t want to take any risks with that.”
Southgate was impressed with his captain’s fitness and confirmed he will start Friday’s final friendly before the tournament against Iceland at Wembley.
Southgate added: “Our plan was half an hour and it will start on Friday. He has been training all week so there are no problems, he looks in good shape.”
Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold also caught the eye, starting the game in midfield before finishing at right-back, where he scored his third goal for his country.
His 121 touches were more than any other player, while his passing impressed against a stubborn Bosnian defense.
4
Asked where he would place the 25-year-old at the Euros, at right-back or midfield, Southgate replied: “It could be either.
“In a game like this, we felt there would be more space where his quality as a full-back could help us. This is something against side systems that can be useful.
“In midfield, it’s clear he’s still learning and discovering his role. Positionally, sometimes it will be different for him. But you saw moments of quality in his passes, the slippery passes, the longer passes, both are good options for us.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
