Alexander-Arnold shines in England friendly victory

Trent Alexander-Arnold capped an impressive individual display with a tremendous volley as England beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 in Monday’s Euro 2024 warm-up friendly.

Preparations for this summer’s shot at silverware stepped up at St James’ Park as players got a chance to stake their claim for a place on the plane, or even a starting role against Serbia.

Cole Palmer’s spot-kick was followed by an excellent Alexander-Arnold effort and late Harry Kane goal on a night that provides manager Gareth Southgate with plenty of food for thought ahead of Friday’s final squad submission.

Eberechi Eze and Palmer produced positive displays on their first England starts, with the latter opening his international account after Ezri Konsa, another impressive performer, was fouled in the box.

Alexander-Arnold did well on his latest audition in midfield but had reverted to a more familiar right-back role when he scored a superb late volley that substitute Kane added to.

It was a strong end to a largely-unremarkable first ever encounter with Bosnia and Southgate’s attention now turns to Friday’s send-off friendly against Iceland and that night’s final squad selection.

Watch Sweden v Republic of Ireland in Euro 2025 qualifying on Tuesday from 5pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on an extended Game On with 2fm

Watch Republic of Ireland v Hungary (7.45pm) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra from 7.40pm

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