Malta vs England LIVE: Result and reaction from Euro 2024 qualifier after Trent Alexander-Arnold nets stunner
Malta 0-4 England: Alexander-Arnold, Harry Kane, Callum Wilson and an own goal saw Gareth Southgate’s men cruise to an expected win
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England resume their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on Friday night as they face Malta away from home with the plan of maintaining their winning start.
Gareth Southgate’s side defeated both of their most likely rivals for a top-two finish, Ukraine and Italy, in their opening two matches in this qualifying campaign while Malta have lost to Italy as well as North Macedonia - who the Three Lions will face next week.
This round of fixtures is quite forgiving for England, especially after such a long season, and Southgate will be expecting his side to take a big step closer to qualifying for the next summer’s finals in Germany.
The England boss will need to make some key decisions in terms of personnel, especially when it comes to his Manchester City stars who only ended their season last week. Eberechi Eze is in mind to make his debut and many of the squad’s fringe or inexperienced players could get the nod in a game England should dominate.
Relive all the action as England thump Malta:
Malta 0-3 England
48 mins: Jordan Henderson receives the ball in midfield as England look to counter-attack. He threads a fine pass up to Harry Kane but is taken out by Bjorn Kristensen arriving late for his tackle.
Kane is beaten to the pass by Steve Borg who boots it straight out of play.
Second half: Malta 0-3 England
Bukayo Saka hasn’t come out and he’s replaced with Phil Foden for the second 45 minutes. England get the ball rolling once again and will want to extend their already dominant lead.
HT Malta 0-3 England
Bukayo Saka was still wincing as he headed down the tunnel. I’d be surprised if he came back out for the second half with England in such a dominant position.
With options on the bench Gareth Southgate shouldn’t risk him if Saka isn’t completely fit.
HT Malta 0-3 England
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the first Liverpool player to score from outside the box for England in a competitive international since Steven Gerrard against Moldova in September 2013 in a World Cup qualifier.
Half-time: Malta 0-3 England
45 mins: The break comes at the Malta National Stadium. Trent Alexander-Arnold has rewarded Gareth Southgate’s decision to start him in midfield and has set up the first goal before smoking in the second.
Harry Kane brought up his 50th England goal from the penalty spot and the Three Lions are on course for another easy win.
Malta 0-3 England
43 mins: Malta look to break after intercepting a wayward pass from Luke Shaw but Marc Guehi presses up the pitch wonderfully and cuts out the attack before it even starts.
Malta 0-3 England
40 mins: Saka is still hobbling around a bit but there’s no attacking urgency from England as half-time approaches. This game is pretty much done and dusted now so there should be a few changes at half-time.
Malta 0-3 England
37 mins: Bukayo Saka has taken a knock and stayed on the deck. Gareth Southgate is on his feet and has called his players over to the sidelines whilst Saka receives some treatment.
Marcus Rashford has also been sent out to warm up.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments