It was a 3-0 win for England last night against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the match was nowhere near as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. It was 0-0 at half time after the most boring of first halves, potentially putting half of the country to sleep. England kept passing it back between Trippier, Dunk, Guehi, Konsa and Pickford and it could be argued that Bosnia had the better chance to take the lead. Eberechi Eze was the only slightly bright spark in the first half for England as he attempted to dribble past Bosnian players and create something for England. Watkins looked anonymous, as he does so often whenever I watch him – but he somehow has impressive levels of goals and assists for Villa. For those of us who were awake during the second half, the players did play slightly better with a little more urgency. England won a penalty after Konsa’s shirt was pulled on in the box, unfairly so in VAR’s opinion, and mine.
Cole Palmer inevitably slotted the penalty home. The keeper did get a hand to it, but could not keep it out. That made it 1-0 to England and realistically there was no looking back from there.
The substitutes on the 60th minute did help, with the introduction of Harry Kane, James Maddison and Jack Grealish all posing threats. Grealish was his usual self, winning fouls and getting England high up the pitch and causing issues for the Bosnian defence. Grealish played a delightful cross to Trent Alexander Arnold who pinpointed a volley perfectly into the bottom left corner to make it 2-0. Maddison almost scored, however the ball was a fraction too far ahead of him. Maddison was also involved in Kane’s goal, as his pass to Bowen led to Bowen’s shot being cleared off the line for it to fall fortuitously to the England captain to wrap up the game.
During the match, Jarrad Branthwaite and Adam Wharton made their England debuts, and both looked solid. Especially Wharton, who fitted seamlessly into the midfield. I hope he gets a place in the final 26 man squad.
England were by far the better team in the second half, however the 3-0 scoreline did flatter them and against a better team they would not have won by this margin. We have to acknowledge that this was a more second string side, and only a friendly, so hopefully we see more urgency and desire in the competitive matches. I’m sure we will. Come on England!!!