Get Eberechi Eze AND Jack Grealish on the plane! Winners and losers as England’s tricky duo bid for Euros place as Ollie Watkins squanders chance to prove his worth

Pre-tournament friendlies are rarely successful occasions and that was certainly the case in the first half when England faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first of two friendlies before heading to Euro 2024. But these matches are auditions for players from the sidelines and two players in particular took advantage of their moment in the spotlight.

It was debutant Eberechi Eze who shone in an otherwise dull and flat first half from the Three Lions, the Crystal Palace man stunning every time he got on the ball, opening up goals in an otherwise accomplished visiting defense . He left the pitch without having contributed to a goal but knowing he had done everything to make Southgate’s 26-man squad.

Jack Grealish, meanwhile, didn’t start but was outstanding off the bench, contributing two goals and providing the perfect answer to the multitude of pundits and fans who believe he should be dropped from the squad after falling down the pecking order. at Manchester City. If England are to go deep at Euro 2024, they will need willing substitutes as well as reliable starters, and Grealish has shown he can certainly play a role off Germany’s bench.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, scored a superb goal that showed why he would be better off returning to his starting right-back position than staying in midfield. But Ollie Watkins had another night to forget for England, meaning Southgate will rely heavily on Harry Kane, who came off the bench to score his 63rd goal for his country.

BEARING break down the winners and losers at St James’ Park…