Cole Palmer made a remarkable full debut for the England national team in their friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James' Park. The 22-year-old forward showcased his skills and composure, scoring a crucial penalty in the second half to contribute to England's 3-0 victory.
Palmer's inclusion in the starting line-up by manager Gareth Southgate provided him with the perfect opportunity to prove his worth on the international stage. Despite a relatively quiet first half, Palmer's moment to shine came when England were awarded a penalty following a VAR check for a foul on Ezri Konsa.
With a flawless record of nine goals from nine attempts in the Premier League this season, Palmer stepped up to the spot with confidence. He calmly converted the penalty, giving England the lead and marking his debut with a memorable goal. This strike took his tally to an impressive 28 goals in all competitions for club and country this season.
England captain Harry Kane, who came on as a substitute, commended Palmer's achievements in his first season and emphasised the importance of having multiple goal-scorers throughout the tournament. Kane said,
"It's great to see Cole get his first goal. He's had an incredible season, and it's important we have players all over the pitch who can score."
Manager Gareth Southgate also recognised Palmer's contribution, praising his link-up play and the significance of his debut goal. However, Southgate pointed out areas where Palmer could improve, suggesting that he could have gotten more shots away earlier in the game.
An interesting moment occurred just before the penalty was taken, as revealed by Southgate. As Kane was preparing to come on as a substitute, he jokingly asked if he could take the penalty himself. Southgate laughingly dismissed the idea, ensuring that Palmer would have his moment in the spotlight.
Palmer's impressive debut has certainly given Southgate plenty to consider as he prepares to make tough decisions in cutting seven players from his provisional 33-man squad before the deadline on Friday.
The young Chelsea star's ability to step up on the international stage and make an immediate impact bodes well for his future with the Three Lions.
As England look ahead to their final warm-up game against Iceland at Wembley and the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, Cole Palmer's performance has undoubtedly bolstered his chances of securing a place in the final squad. His clinical penalty and overall contribution have showcased his potential to be a valuable asset for England in their pursuit of European glory.
Cole Palmer's memorable debut for England is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for the talented forward. With his impressive form for Chelsea and now his impact on the international stage, Palmer has shown that he has the skills and mentality to succeed at the highest level.
Palmer's potential is immense. His ability to score goals, link up play, and perform under pressure makes him an exciting prospect for both Chelsea and England.