England secured their third consecutive win in Euro 2024 qualifying with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Malta at Wembley Stadium on Friday night. The hosts dominated the game from start to finish, but were frustrated by a resilient Malta defence and some wasteful finishing. Harry Kane scored the opener from the penalty spot in the first half, after being booked for diving, and then added a second goal in the second half, after a clever assist from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
England had 75% possession and 27 shots on goal, compared to Malta's 25% and 3, respectively.1 The Three Lions created numerous chances, but were denied by Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello, who made 12 saves, and the woodwork, which was hit three times. Malta, meanwhile, rarely threatened England's goal, and only managed one shot on target, which was easily saved by Jordan Pickford.
England took the lead in the 31st minute, when Kane converted a penalty, after he was fouled by Ferdinando Apap in the box. The England captain had earlier been shown a yellow card for diving, when he went down under a challenge from Zach Muscat. Kane, who had missed his last two penalties for England, sent Bonello the wrong way and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. It was his 56th goal for England, extending his record as the country's all-time leading scorer.3
England doubled their lead in the 67th minute, when Kane scored his second goal of the night, after a brilliant pass from Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool star, who played in midfield again, picked out Kane's run with a perfectly weighted ball over the top of the Malta defence. Kane controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed it past Bonello from close range. It was his 57th goal for England, and his fifth in three games in this qualifying campaign.3
England made five substitutions in the second half, bringing on Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Tyrone Mings, Callum Wilson, and Eberechi Eze, who made his debut for the senior team. The changes did not affect England's dominance, as they continued to create chances, but failed to add to their scoreline. Foden hit the post with a curling shot, Rashford had a goal disallowed for offside, and Wilson missed a one-on-one opportunity.
Malta also made some changes, introducing Neil Satariano, Nicholas Muscat, Jurgen Degabriele, and Juan Corbalan, but they could not find a way past England's defence. Their best chance came in the 89th minute, when Degabriele fired a shot from the edge of the box, but Pickford was alert and made a comfortable save.
The final whistle confirmed England's win, which keeps them top of Group C with nine points, three ahead of second-placed Italy, who beat Ukraine 2-1 earlier in the day. Malta remain bottom of the group with zero points, and have yet to score a goal in their three games. The next round of fixtures will take place in March 2024, when England will face Ukraine away, and Malta will host Italy.2
Source(s)
1. Malta
0 - 4 England - Match Report & Highlights - Sky Sports
2. Malta
0-4 England - UEFA European Qualifier match centre
4. England
vs Malta LIVE! Euro 2024 qualifier match stream, latest score and goal updates
today
5. Harry
Kane scores after yellow card for diving as England beats Malta 2-0 in Euro
2024 qualifying
6. England vs
Malta LIVE: Euro 2024 qualifier score and updates as Pepe own goal gives hosts
early lead
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