Hallelujah, the ITV commentator said.
It was the 52nd minute, and England until then were struggling to make an impression against an organised Malta side in a World Cup 2018 qualifying match in front of a capacity crowd at Ta’ Qali stadium.
Dele Alli unmarked his team-mate Harry Kane who slotted the ball home for England’s first goal as England coach Southgate sighed in relief. Defender Bertrand scored a second five in the 85th minute and Danny Welbeck and Kane added two more in injury time to complete a 4-0 score that strengthens England’s chances to qualify for the World Cup.
It was an otherwise quiet match, with England enjoying most of the possession but finding a resilient Malta side that sank in the final stages. England actually struggled in the first half of the game, as Malta closed all the spaces and allowed few opportunities at goal. But it all changed after the first goal and as the Maltese players’ energies dissipated, England could comfortably cruise to an emphatic win.
It was time for Malta to say Hallelujah that the match was over.
It was Malta’s seventh defeat in as many matches in the competition. The Malta team now travels to Scotland for another game to be played on Monday.
The most entertaining part was actually when an interloper entered the field of play and was chased by security officers who escorted him out for the match to continue.
Photos Domenic Aquilina
