Shaw flank redemption needed by England. 10 things we learned at St James' Park including positives in Palmer, pens, Trent central while Wharton looks the business.
Plus a magical mystery tour off the A1.
10 things learned from #ENG win over Bosnia at St James’ Park
1: Any takers? For penalties? Yes, another. England’s potential shootout list lengthens and strengthens. Harry Kane (71/82; has converted his last 15), Harry Maguire (2/2 with England), Kieran Trippier (1/1 for England, a big one v Colombia in 2018 but not great for clubs), Bukayo Saka (6/6 this season for Arsenal), Jordan Pickford (1/1), Ivan Toney (30/32; if selected for the Euros), Jude Bellingham (3/3, one Real Madrid, two for Borussia Dortmund) and now Cole Palmer. He’s 1/1 for England after his clinical 12-yarder in front of the Gallowgate. He’s 9/9 in the Premier League for Chelsea this season; he’s beaten everyone from Ederson to Vicario.
Palmer is unlikely to disrupt the Saka-Bellingham-Foden starting axis at the Euro but is a magnificent threat from the bench. He can play as a 10, on the right, taking the ball in tight areas, creating chances, scoring and showing his prowess from the spot against Bosnia. Not only on the plane to Germany but one of the first off the bench out there.
2, Lions shared. Fifty minutes after the final whistle, around 500 fans congregated at barriers near the England buses. Players emerged from the Milburn Stand, waved, got on the bus as one excited local kid took an impromptu roll-call, shouting out each name. “Yes! Trent’s on!” Whether it’s fascination with individual stars – Jack Grealish stirred particular squeals – or love of the team, England enjoy a devoted following across the country. And England on the road needs to become tradition again.