England ramp up their Euro 2024 preparations with a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday evening.
Ahead of the clash at St James’ Park, the PA news agency has a look at five of the main talking points.
Patchwork defence
England debuts in Newcastle?
Five of those available for Monday’s friendly are uncapped, with Branthwaite – called up for the first time in March – and new boy Quansah joined by midfielders Curtis Jones and Adam Wharton. The latter has been rewarded having impressed since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn in January, while the former has a long-term admirer in Southgate. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford – another called up for the first time in March – completes the quintet but is the least likely to get a minute at St James’ Park.
Palmer’s chance to impress?
Trent in midfield?
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been listed as a midfielder in England’s recent squad announcements, more down to Southgate’s belief in the ball-playing defender sparkling in midfield than the competition at right-back. Alexander-Arnold has put in some encouraging performances in that position for the national team, but injury denied Southgate the chance to audition him there against elite competition in March’s tough friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The England boss now only has the Bosnia and Iceland matches to experiment with him there before business gets under way in Germany.
Kane able but not starting
Sunday shift. ? pic.twitter.com/4szYUL2GtK
— England (@England) June 2, 2024
Of all the players England need fit for the Euros, there are few more important than Harry Kane. The national team’s captain and all-time top scorer has been dealing with a back complaint of late, but Southgate says the Bayern Munich sharpshooter has trained well this week at their north-east base. That said, the England boss says Kane will not be starting at St James’ Park, meaning Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney will have the chance to impress. The Aston Villa and Brentford strikers are vying to be back-up to the skipper, with one of them potentially missing out on a place on the plane.
