Three goals in the first 30 minutes paved the way for an easy England 4-0 win against Malta in a Euro 2024 qualifying match played before a bumper crowd at Ta’ Qali national stadium.
It was England’s third win from as many matches in Group C, consolidating their top position, while Malta succumbed to its third defeat in a row
The Malta side appeared sloppy in the opening stages of the game and never recovered from an own goal on 9 minutes, and then conceded two others within 90 seconds before the half hour. England added a fourth nine minutes from time.
Pressed by Harry Kane, Ferdinando Apap beat his own goalie Bonello on a Saka cross from the right after just nine minutes to give England a 1-0 lead.
Malta appeared stunned by the early goal which also gave superior England more confidence. The boys in red barely made it past the halfway line while England remained firmly in control, without creating much.
But as soon as they pressed on the accelerator, England found a way past the Maltese defence with two quick goals. A bad clearance opened up space for Alexander Arnold to thump home from outside the box for England’s second goal on 28 minutes and, seconds later, Kane was tripped by Gullaumier in the penalty area for the England striker to net his 56th goal for his country from the penalty spot.
The rhythm dropped considerably after the third goal, with England happy not to waste more energy against an uncreative Malta side, while the Maltese were content to keep England from scoring again.
Late in the game, Malta was harshly punished as a second penalty was awarded to England, the ball hitting Borg’s hand from a close-range cross. Wilson scored from the 11-metre spot to seal the 4-0 win.
On Monday, England play North Macedonia while Malta play against Ukraine in Slovakia.
Photos: Domenic Aquilina
