In a clash between two of next summer’s pre-tournament favourites for the 2023 European U21 Championships, it was the Three Lions who came out on top despite the hosts registering 20 shots on goal.
The victory was sealed inside the first five minutes in Pescara with a Rhian Brewster brace enough to secure Lee Carsley’s side the victory.
Palmer was heavily involved in the game’s opener, when his vicious strike towards goal from the right was picked up by Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
The midfielder was caught by Edoardo Bove inside the box as he pulled the trigger, leaving Brewster to step up and do the honours from the spot.
And the Sheffield United striker doubled his tally just two minutes later with an impressive, dinked finish after being sent through on goal by Lille’s Angel Gomes.
The hosts soon rallied soon after, and England were thankful to Burnley loanee Harwood-Bellis for a fine sliding challenge which stopped Nicolo Cambiaghi in his tracks before the break.
With 20 to play, Palmer was given a well-earned rest, being replaced by Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, while Tommy Doyle – currently on loan at Sheffield United - was introduced from the bench to help see out the victory.
And that assignment was made a little easier with five minutes to play when midfielder Nicolo Rovella was shown a second yellow for a late challenge on Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
Harwood-Bellis would be replaced in stoppage time by fellow City defender and Huddersfield loanee Luke Mbete, while James Trafford and James McAtee remained unused substitutes for the Three Lions.
