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England bore fans into throwing paper aeroplanes as they struggle to beat Malta

A paper aeroplane whizzes past Marcus Rashford
A paper aeroplane whizzes past Marcus Rashford - Carl Recine/Reuters

Barring a highly unlikely sequence of results in the final round of qualifiers England will be among the top seeds at the European Championship but after this underwhelming win over the minnows of Malta Gareth Southgate admitted “we were not where we want to be and can be”.

England will frankly have to play far better than this to thrive next summer – and surely they will – and while there is credence to the manager’s argument that there was some “self-regulation” (ie, players playing within themselves) because of the density of games they play and the weakness of the opposition, it was not an evening when fringe candidates pushed their claim and that is becoming a worrying theme. None of them did so either in the recent disappointing friendly against Australia. Southgate said it was a game that England could win “at a canter”. But this was not even a lope.

Phil Foden bends down to pick up a paper plane
Phil Foden bends down to pick up a paper plane - Paul Childs/Action Images

Instead it was a slightly bizarre night; a night when the paper aeroplanes were back out in force at Wembley Stadium. A night when it took England 64 minutes to even have a shot on target. A night when Malta, ranked 171st in the world, outperformed England in “expected goals” in the first-half (a paltry 0.14 against 0.04). A night when Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold ran into each other, with Rashford having to go off hurt. A night when Jordan Henderson was again booed off the pitch as he was substituted, and a night when captain Harry Kane suffered the indignity of being harshly cautioned for allegedly diving in search of a penalty.

Of course, Kane eventually scored, his 62nd goal for England, in the one move of any fluidity that Southgate’s side managed to summon, while beyond that it was a case of sifting for small nuggets in a sea of sludge. Phil Foden? He did well. He pressed his case. Alexander-Arnold? He was deployed in midfield, where he wants to be and where he sees his chance of being an England regular, and did okay but he hardly ran the game and cannot be properly assessed until he is used against stronger opposition.

Harry Kane is booked for diving
Harry Kane is booked for diving - Glyn Kirk/AFP

Cole Palmer? It was good to see him get his debut even if Jarrod Bowen, who was ahead of him in the original squad selected, must wonder why he stayed on the bench. Marc Guehi? Yes, he appears to be pushing for a place, although that was offset by a sloppy display by Harry Maguire alongside him.

Sloppy was a word used by Kane. “We were sloppy and we couldn’t quite build,” he admitted. “It was not our finest performance”. It certainly was not as Southgate bemoaned the lack of “quality on the ball”, the lack of chances created and his team being “flat”.

“We didn’t hit the heights that we have done this calendar year,” Southgate said. “These players have played so many games and have done so well for us so I am not going to hammer them for it. We weren’t where we [should be] but we got the win.”

Enrico Pepe puts the ball into his own net
Enrico Pepe puts the ball into his own net - Carl Recine/Reuters

That is fair enough, as Southgate mounted a further defence, pointing out the disjointed nature of this camp with injuries and withdrawals and players needing to be managed through their various bumps and bruises. “We wouldn’t be able to get away with it in March,” he said, alluding to the prestige friendlies against Brazil and Belgium before next June’s tournament.

Southgate also mentioned maybe a lack of “motivation” in facing Malta and with qualification secured, but that is moving into dangerous territory. Let’s say that two – Jordan Pickford and Kane – from this starting XI are guaranteed their place at the Euros. That means, surely, nine others have a point to prove? What more motivation could they face given the prize at stake?

So it was not a good game for Conor Gallagher or Fikayo Tomori, both withdrawn at half-time, although there has to be sympathy for the AC Milan centre-half, who was asked to play at left-back – a problem position for England given the unavailability of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell – and looked distinctly uncomfortable.

Maybe some of the others simply know they will be going to Germany come-what-may but, really, we needed to see more from Rashford and Henderson, to name just two. England may have an impressive team, arguably Europe’s best, but they need to be pushed while those two are vying for three of four spots – at most – that are up for grabs.

This one is on the players; not Southgate. They have to take their chances even if the manager maybe needs to reflect on the need for a bit more jeopardy as he heads to North Macedonia for Monday’s final qualifier.

Fikayo Tomori battles for the ball with Malta's Joseph Mbong
Fikayo Tomori (right) had a night to forget - Paul Childs/Action Images

But also, some perspective: England have breezed Group C, putting Italy, Ukraine and North Macedonia in their place. That should not be overlooked.

Even if England lose in Skopje, and unless they are humiliated by a team they beat 7-0 last June, Turkey or Denmark would have to score an unfeasible number of goals in their matches to pip them. So, it is hardly a crisis or a stick with which to beat the manager.

But neither was this the entertaining performance Southgate had promised as England were dependent on an unfortunate early own goal and Kane’s close-range finish to secure the points.

Beyond that they had to endure the paper aeroplanes re-emerging as they were aimed at the pitch in the first half.

The last time that had happened was in October 2017, against Slovenia, when they secured a place at the World Cup in Russia in a fixture that is often referenced as a low point by Southgate.

This certainly was not that; far from it. But it was an unnecessary disappointment and hopefully a jolt to action for Monday’s game.


England vs Malta: As it happened . . .


10:25 PM GMT

England captain Harry Kane speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

“It was not our finest performance, let’s say, but sometimes you play a team who have got more quality than people think. At the start of the game, we missed the right tempo. We were sloppy and we couldn’t quite build.

“In the second half we had more control and created chances. But overall, it’s a 2-0 win.”

On his yellow card for diving: 

“I was surprised it didn’t get overturned but the referee has made his decision. Sometimes the VAR doesn’t want to interfere too much but it is what it is. That’s football and it’s part of the game.

“I am just focused on the fact we won and hopefully, that secures us as top seed for next summer.”

On preparing for Euro 2024 and the depth in England’s squad:

“I think we are playing a lot of games at the moment. We have some injuries as well and the players coming in have to perform. All the players today who started weren’t at their usual standard but that’s football. We maybe felt mental fatigue a little bit.

“We are top of the group and we have one game and hopefully, we finish it with a win.”

On wearing number nine and scoring on the night Wembley said farewell to Sir Bobby Charlton: 

“Sir Bobby was one of England’s best-ever players and the tribute was fantastic. He will be missed throughout the whole country. We wanted to win because of that and I was desperate to score because of that.

“To say goodbye and win the match at Wembley is a nice thing to do.”


10:20 PM GMT

Kane satisfied with his night


10:19 PM GMT

England manager Gareth Southgate speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live

“If you don’t start games well it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t. We know the level we’ve got should be better, can be better.

“Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation. We didn’t hit the heights that we have done this calendar year.

“So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel and clearly it’s possible we could have had three or four with the decisions as well but we didn’t create enough clear chances to deserve that anyway.”

Should fans be concerned? 

“We’ve asked people to fill roles that aren’t their usual position, like Fikayo [Tomori], and it’s not easy for him to build down that side.

“We’ve got problems with availability in that area of the pitch and you are trying to give some players a rest. We have a lot of players that weren’t in there tonight.

“I thought Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Phil [Foden] and Marc Guehi were good and Cole Palmer coming on for his debut had a good impact. There are positives but we know we were not where we want to be and can be.”


10:15 PM GMT

Memorable week for Palmer


10:14 PM GMT

In fine form


10:10 PM GMT

A positive view of the game

  • Joe Wilko: “I was there, don’t believe all you read. It was a cultured and classy performance, an accurate display of structured football. Sir Gareth has delivered another unbeaten qualification, and we are lucky to have this genius on board.”


10:07 PM GMT

England manager Gareth Southgate speaking to Channel Four

“It was a game when we didn’t start well and if you don’t start well it’s hard to pick the game up. We got a goal out of nothing really.

“But the quality on the ball is not normally at that level and it was a game where the players knew they could win at a canter and didn’t extend themselves.

“These players have played so many games and have done so well for us so I am not going to hammer them for it. We weren’t where we should be but we got the win.”

On Trent Alexander-Arnold: 

“He has got outstanding quality. He and Phil [Foden] were the two in the first half that looked like opening the game up for us.

“Marc Guehi was good at the back and the changes brought more quality. They don’t lose by fives and sixes and obviously, we didn’t create as many chances as we’d like to.”


10:05 PM GMT

More of your views

  • Steve Dee: “Joe Cole says ‘nothing to be concerned about’ well first of all I would be very concerned if I had paid two hundred pounds for two of us to go and watch that rubbish and secondly it proves that England always have a bad game in them! Play like that against a decent team, France, Spain, Italy Germany etc. and we will get stuffed. Once again Southgate proves he can underachieve with all the talent available. Maguire gave the ball away a few times and set up Maltese attacks, he shouldn’t be playing for England.

  • David Edwards: “England have a wealth of amazing young talent. However, when you put Gareth Southgate in charge...”

  • David Dingley: “And no proper football this weekend because of this garbage..”

  • Stephen Barry: “That must have been a world record number of back passes. Southgate at his finest.”

  • Laurence Fatherley: “I wonder if Rashford was late to join the squad because he thought he wasn’t good enough…”

  • Slightly Aghast: “England have already peaked under Southgate - when they choked at the penalty stage against Italy in the final. Can’t wait until Southgate has gone.”

  • North Star: “Henderson in midfield tells you everything you need to know about Southgate.”


09:58 PM GMT

Should Rice's goal have been disallowed?

Declan Rice thought he had made it 3-0 to England not long after Harry Kane’s goal but it was ruled out for an offside by Kane. Joe Cole has been giving his thoughts on the decision on Channel Four:

“Unfortunately, it is the right decision. The referee has gone to look at VAR and Harry has strayed offside.

“It actually touches his shirt. It is harsh but I can see why the referee gave it.”


09:54 PM GMT

Player ratings

How did the England players fare tonight? You can take a look at Mike McGrath’s ratings.


09:50 PM GMT

Joe Cole on Channel Four

“Nothing to be concerned about. It was a flat night, but it always looked like England had more gears to go into.

“It’s a forgetful night at Wembley considering the high standards these guys set. But they’ll be alright on Monday night.”


09:46 PM GMT

Your views

  • Chris P Nugget: “Do they realise people are paying to watch them? No excuse for that carp.”

  • Elphy Bay: “Another embarrassing Southgate Borefest. 0 out of 10 for effort and 0 out of 10 for quality.”

  • Tom Mein: “What on earth were Rashford, Henderson and Maguire doing on that pitch, absolutely dreadful.”

  • Keith Smith: “Thank goodness that’s over.”

  • Paul Clements: “Officials 3 (two refused pens and a perfectly good goal chalked off) England 2, Malta 0. Boredom factor, high, skill level, low. Excuses to follow, plentiful.”

I think it is safe to say people are not very happy with that performance and understandably so.


09:39 PM GMT

FT: England 2 Malta 0

Full time at Wembley and England win 2-0 thanks to an own goal and Harry Kane’s 62nd international goal.


09:36 PM GMT

90+2 minutes: England 2 Malta 0

Palmer does really well to earn England a corner. He dribbles into the Malta box and his cross is deflected behind. Maguire meets Foden’s corner but cannot get a good connection.


09:33 PM GMT

90 minutes: England 2 Malta 0

There will be six minutes of additional time at the end of this game. Some England fans do not seem too pleased with that! I will leave you to draw your own conclusions as to why...


09:31 PM GMT

87 minutes: England 2 Malta 0

Alexander-Arnold shoots from distance and the goalkeeper just about parries it away despite it wobbling a bit in the air.


09:30 PM GMT

86 minutes: England 2 Malta 0

Rice does get a chance to get his goal but he cannot take it. Walker drills the ball across the box and the ball is slightly behind Rice. His touch is too heavy and the chance goes begging.


09:26 PM GMT

83 minutes: England 2 Malta 0

Malta create an opening. Yankam has it inside the England box and lets rip but his shot does not trouble Pickford’s goal.


09:22 PM GMT

No goal

It is not 3-0 and Rice has his goal disallowed as Kane was offside and adjudged to be interfering with the goalkeeper’s line of vision.


09:20 PM GMT

GOAL! Declan Rice curls in to make it 3-0

Like London buses, two come at once! Rice dribbles 20, 30 yards towards the Malta box. He cuts inside and curls into the far corner. 93 seconds between the two goals.


09:19 PM GMT

GOAL! Harry Kane makes it 2-0

England finally get their second! One, two-touch by England to get it going. Walker into Foden on the edge of the box. He plays it first time into Saka, who feeds it across to Kane who slots home to double England’s advantage.


09:16 PM GMT

73 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Walker whips the ball ferociously from the right towards Palmer but the Chelsea man cannot get a shot away.


09:10 PM GMT

67 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Foden flicks it for Alexander-Arnold to come onto. He goes for the top right-hand corner but his shot has too much power and goes just over the bar.


09:09 PM GMT

65 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Palmer, just minutes into his England debut, wins his side a free-kick in a very dangerous area centrally just outside the Malta penalty area. Alexander-Arnold, Trippier and Foden are standing over it...


09:08 PM GMT

64 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

England get their first shot on target! Alexander-Arnold volleys but it is straight at Bonello in the Malta goal.

“Interesting that Palmer, who was a latecomer into the squad, gets on ahead of Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish, who were originally in the England squad. Always confuses me when that happens.”


09:06 PM GMT

63 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

To sum up England’s dire performance tonight, they are yet to register a shot on target so far tonight. Neither have Malta mind!


09:05 PM GMT

61 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

England are going to make their second double change as Henderson, who receives boos on his way off, is replaced by Rice, who receives a great ovation. Cole Palmer comes on for his England debut despite not actually being named in the initial squad, replacing Rashford.

“Something else Gareth won’t like - Henderson loudly booed as he is replaced by Declan Rice. Cole Plamer, on the other hand, loudly cheered when he is sent on.”


09:03 PM GMT

60 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Malta have made a double change on the hour as Jones, who was born in London, and Kristensen come on.


09:02 PM GMT

59 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Alexander-Arnold plays a superb diagonal to Rashford inside the box but he takes too many touches and Malta clear. Moments later the two England players run straight into each other and Rashford, who has come off worse, is receiving some treatment from the medical staff.


09:01 PM GMT

58 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

A great one-two between Saka and Alexander-Arnold on the right earns England a corner but Malta manage to clear the danger.


09:00 PM GMT

56 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Rashford does well to get to the byline but his ball across lets him down as it is intercepted. He was one of a number of England players who were disappointing in that first half but he has been brighter in this second half.


08:57 PM GMT

53 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Foden makes a great bursting run forward. He plays it to Rashford who dribbles into the Malta box. Rashford is then penalised for a foul but how on earth was that a free-kick against Rashford? If you are going to give any foul there it should have been against Malta, not England.


08:54 PM GMT

50 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

England have the first corner of this second half. Foden will take an outswinger from the left which is met by Maguire. But his header loops up into the air and it is an easy catch for Bonello.


08:50 PM GMT

47 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Trippier has switched over to left-back with Walker coming on. Saka has come onto the right wing and Foden has moved inside into a central position.

“Taking Fikayo Tomori at half-time feels very harsh from Southgate after starting the centre back as a makeshift left-back. What did he really expect from him?”


08:48 PM GMT

Back underway with two changes

We are back underway for the second half at Wembley and Gareth Southgate has decided to make a double change. Walker and Saka are on and Tomori and Gallagher are off.


08:41 PM GMT

Your views

  • Steve Dee: “Southgate strikes again - with the players England have available he has underachieved!!”

  • C Powell: “An utterly pathetic performance using old codgers. Southgate had the opportunity to use a full team of reserves against a side with zero points and -17.”

  • Kevin Edwards: “Deserve to be booed off. Dreadful, negative football.”

  • Neale Harvey: “Captain Cautious Southgate is ruining this team. Perfect opportunity to unleash in-form players and he picks Maguire, Henderson and Rashford. Utter joke.”

  • John Spencer: “What utter garbage from England, we suspended the best League in the world for this! Southgate on 8 million a year for a part time job he is totally useless at. A joke.”


08:35 PM GMT

Your thoughts

What have you made of that first half? Does Gareth Southgate need to make some changes, either tactically or personnel, at the break? Have your say in the comments section.


08:33 PM GMT

HT: England 1 Malta 0

That is half-time and England lead by just the one goal thanks to Pepe’s own goal inside the opening 10 minutes. Not a good performance from England in that first half.


08:32 PM GMT

45 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

There will be just one minute of additional time at the end of this first half.


08:29 PM GMT

42 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Kane does brilliantly to wriggle away and fire the ball out to Rashford on the touchline. He dribbles towards the box from the left and as he cuts inside the ball is intercepted. But it does go out for an England corner. The ball is whipped in but the referee awards a free-kick to Malta. Not sure where the foul was there!


08:28 PM GMT

40 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Should England have had a penalty or did Harry Kane dive? You can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

Five minutes of normal time to go before half-time. England only one goal up and that came through an own-goal.

“The paper aeroplanes are out which is never a good sign. As England prepare to take a corner, some of the crowd cheer as one of them lands on the pitch. It’s that sort of night so far.”


08:26 PM GMT

38 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Malta now have a corner of their own. Teuma to take but England are able to clear the danger. As England break Guillaumier hacks down Gallagher and is the next player in the book.


08:24 PM GMT

36 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Rashford wants a free-kick just outside the Malta box on the left but England do have a corner which Foden will take. But Bonello catches it and Malta can clear.


08:17 PM GMT

29 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Penalty or dive from Kane? The referee decides Kane has dived and awards him a yellow. It is an awful clearance from the goalkeeper and Kane takes it round the goalkeeper. He goes down but instead of being awarded a penalty he is penalised for diving. VAR is in action tonight but the decision stands.

“England captain Harry Kane has been booked for giving after going down in the area. He’s not happy about it at all. The goalkeeper did look like he made contact with him.”


08:15 PM GMT

28 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Pickford does not deal well with the initial delivery and Malta keep it alive. But the second cross is caught by Pickford.


08:14 PM GMT

26 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Tomori was the victim of a foul that resulted in a yellow a few moments ago but he is now into the book. Malta will have a free-kick in a dangerous area on the edge of the box on the right. It is whipped in and Kane heads it behind for a corner to Malta...


08:12 PM GMT

24 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

England have a corner on the right. Trippier whips an outswinger in but Malta are able to clear their lines.


08:11 PM GMT

23 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Mbong is the first man into the book for a foul on Tomori. He was trying to block Tomori’s clearance but he did catch Tomori and deserves a yellow card.


08:10 PM GMT

22 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Malta have been solid so far. We all expect this to be a very easy night for England but the visitors have acquitted themselves well so far. England look like they are in cruise control and perhaps are taking it a little too easy.

“Harry Maguire has already given the ball away a couple of times tonight. It’s always noticeable that he and England find it harder to play out from the back when John Stones isn’t there.”


08:05 PM GMT

17 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Alexander-Arnold plays a delightful ball forward in the channel to Kane. There is not much support for the England striker so he waits and plays it back to an onrushing Alexander-Arnold. The pass is not great but Alexander-Arnold gets past the first defender but a sliding tackle then dispossesses him. Kane’s pass should have been better.


07:58 PM GMT

10 minutes: England 1 Malta 0

Mbong goes for goal from outside the England box but his shot goes over the bar.


07:57 PM GMT

GOAL! England take the lead thanks to own goal

England have the lead and it is not even a player with an England shirt on who scores! Foden’s touch looks heavy but it ends up being perfect as he runs onto his own touch on the right of the box. He tries to find Kane in the centre but the Malta centre-back Pepe diverts it past his own goalkeeper, despite his best efforts to keep it out.


07:54 PM GMT

7 minutes: England 0 Malta 0

Reid is so lucky to escape without a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Alexander-Arnold. You imagine if that was committed in 20 minutes time rather than inside the opening 10 minutes it would have been a yellow.


07:52 PM GMT

5 minutes: England 0 Malta 0

Tomori is indeed starting at left-back. England have gone with a back four rather than a back three with three centre-halves on the pitch and two wing-backs.


07:48 PM GMT

1 minute: England 0 Malta 0

Malta are inches away from taking the lead after 40 seconds! Teuma tries to curl one into the far corner from just outside the box and it goes just past the post!


07:47 PM GMT

Kick-off

We are underway at Wembley.

“Jordan Henderson’s name is once again booed by a section of England fans when his name is read out ahead of kick-off.”


07:46 PM GMT

Applause for Bobby

Wembley falls into darkness and everyone stands in a minute’s applause to remember Sir Bobby Charlton.

“Perfectly observed moment of applause for Sir Bobby Robson ahead of kick-off with the lights dimmed and one side of Wembley displaying the England and Manchester United legend’s name.”


07:41 PM GMT

Time for the anthems

Both sides are out of the tunnels and it is time for the national anthems. First Malta and then England.


07:39 PM GMT

England manager Gareth Southgate on Channel Four

“We have to win, we always want to play well. We have 80,000 fans here buying in to what we’re doing.

“I think nights like this are definitely opportunities for people to see what they can do. This is a different test. It poses a difficult tactical issue playing against a low-block. We have players who can unlock the door like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane.

“Trent loves the role he’s had with Liverpool for a number of years. There are no doubts he can do both. We’ve liked what he’s done in midfield for us. His passing range and vision is exceptional. He has another chance tonight.”


07:38 PM GMT

Charlton remembered

Wembley is currently paying tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton with a video on the big scree. There is now just one surviving member of the 1966 World Cup-winning starting XI, which is Geoff Hurst.


07:34 PM GMT

Reminder of the team news

England: Pickford, Trippier, Maguire, Guehi, Tomori, Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Henderson, Foden, Kane, Rashford.

Subs: Johnstone, Ramsdale, Walker, Konsa, Grealish, Lewis, Saka, Rice, Watkins, Bowen, Palmer, Phillips.

Malta: Bonello, S. Borg, Pepe, J. Borg, J. Mbong, Yankam, Guillaumier, Teuma, Camenzuli, P. Mbong, Reid.

Subs: Grech, Al-Tumi, Attard, Shaw, Pisani, Jones, Overend, Nwoko, Muscat, Kristensen, Muscat, Apap.


07:29 PM GMT

Newbies on the bench

In the light of some drop-outs, Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer were called up to the squad and all three of them are on the bench and could make their England debuts tonight.


07:26 PM GMT

England warming up

20 minutes until kick-off at Wembley.


07:18 PM GMT

England midfielder Conor Gallagher speaking to Channel Four

“I think I can play in a few positions in midfield. I’m happy to play deeper or more attacking. I like to be involved in the final third and score and create goals. I like this type of role.

“The manager understands what I’m best at and he’s told me to do my stuff. I’ll just play my normal game.

“You’ve got a point to prove and you’ve got to try and impress the manager. Hopefully it can be a good performance today.

“Anyone who has seen Chelsea play can see what Cole Palmer brings to the squad. He’ll have no challenges settling in and I’m sure he’ll be brilliant.”


07:07 PM GMT

Tomori at left-back?

It looks like Fikayo Tomori is going to start at left-back for England tonight, with Kieran Trippier at right-back and Marc Guehi and Harry Maguire as the centre-halves. What are your opinions of Tomori starting at left-back? All of Tomori’s appearances for AC Milan so far this season have been at centre-back.


07:03 PM GMT

England players arriving

Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire all start for England tonight:


06:59 PM GMT

Have your say

What do you think the score will be tonight? How many will England put past Malta? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.


06:57 PM GMT

An inside look

Have you ever wondered what the England dressing room looks like at Wembley on matchday? Well, here you are:


06:51 PM GMT

Tributes to Sir Bobby

There are going to be plenty of tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton at Wembley tonight as England pays tribute to a World Cup winner. England manager Gareth Southgate attended Charlton’s funeral at Manchester Cathedral on Monday and tonight Wembley will pay its tribute.


06:48 PM GMT

Hey Jude!

He is not involved tonight due to injury, but Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham received the Golden Boy award earlier today:


06:46 PM GMT

Gareth Southgate speaking to Channel Four


06:42 PM GMT

Fancy a bet?

Having a bet on today’s match? First take a look at these free bets and betting offers.


06:40 PM GMT

Malta team news

Malta: Bonello, S. Borg, Pepe, J. Borg, J. Mbong, Yankam, Guillaumier, Teuma, Camenzuli, P. Mbong, Reid.

Subs: Grech, Al-Tumi, Attard, Shaw, Pisani, Jones, Overend, Nwoko, Muscat, Kristensen, Muscat, Apap.


06:38 PM GMT

England team news


06:31 PM GMT

Match preview

England take on Malta at Wembley tonight in their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifier. England have already secured qualification for Euro 2024 ahead of tonight’s game. England do though still have something to play for over the next two games; they want to be a top seed and only the top five best performing nations will be top seeds.

During his pre-match press conference, manager Gareth Southgate has expressed his frustration at what he feels is constantly having to respond to criticism of his decisions.

“Well, the reality of that is however well we play tomorrow people will just say it’s a lower ranked opponent, so it’ll be irrelevant. People are going to have opinions. I’m probably tired of trying to fight that.

“In the end, it will be what it is. So, I’ll just let our results and performances speak for themselves. You’re never going to please everybody, so the best way as a football manager is keep winning matches, frankly.”

One man set to start in the midfield for England tonight is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right-back is listed in the England squad as a midfielder and he is keen to play as much for his country no matter what position he is playing.

“When I’m here, when I’m not here, I’m constantly thinking about trying to get into the team for the summer.

“Since we spoke in the summer, me and the manager, about a midfield opportunity and to see if we could make it work, there has been a newfound excitement for me.

“It is a huge opportunity and it is one I am grateful to have, but also making sure I take it. It’s still early days, I haven’t had much experience in there so still learning on the job and about picking it up as much as I can when I am in there.”

After tonight’s match, England travel to North Macedonia on Monday night for their final qualifier.

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