England secured a top seeding at Euro 2024 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Malta in a lacklustre performance at Wembley. It wasn’t a memorable match for the underwhelmed crowd. An early own goal by Enrico Pepe separated England from the 171st-ranked Malta until the 75th minute. Captain Harry Kane doubled England’s lead before a goal from Declan Rice was ruled out for offside. It was a disappointing display from England’s fringe players, and while the team had already qualified for the finals in Germany, the victory over Malta ensured they will win Group C, regardless of other outcomes.
Check out all the Euro 2024 qualifiers and get the latest odds and tips here: England vs Malta live. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s prominent role in England’s midfield indicates something significant.
England’s win against Malta was far from impressive, reflecting in the post-match reaction from the manager, Gareth Southgate. Southgate acknowledged that his players could have done better and that the team wasn’t at the expected level. Despite the lackluster showing, the victory over Malta was crucial for England.
Harry Kane’s impressive form was highlighted, as he has been directly involved in 33 goals in 20 appearances for club and country this season. Additionally, Cole Palmer became the 13th Chelsea player to appear for England under Gareth Southgate, the most players from a single team to have featured for the Three Lions under the current manager.
This was a dull affair that ended with England winning 2-0 but in a manner that left much to be desired. Paper airplanes littered the Wembley pitch more than England had shots on target against the 171st-ranked Malta side. It wasn’t their most positive or entertaining performance, but England emerged victorious. England’s performance in the Euro 2024 qualifiers is definitely a topic of conversation.
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