England’s performance in their 2-0 victory against Malta in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday night left much to be desired.
The Three Lions had already secured their place in next summer’s finals, and with their visitors unable to qualify, the match was essentially a dead-rubber.
Gareth Southgate would not have been pleased with his side’s display at Wembley, as they were pressed into various errors by Malta and struggled to create many chances.
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The game began with Malta almost taking a shock lead within 30 seconds when Conor Gallagher lost possession to Matthew Guillaumier, setting up Teddy Teuma, whose curling shot narrowly missed the far post.
England’s first attack resulted in breaking the deadlock on the eight-minute mark. Marc Guehi’s clever ball to Phil Foden was taken in stride, and his low cross deflected off centre-back Enrico Pepe, bouncing in off the fingertips of goalkeeper Henry Bonello and the underside of the crossbar.
Another England mistake gave Malta a chance to score. Harry Maguire surrendered the ball to Guillaumier, who played in Paul Mbong. However, Mbong couldn’t keep his shot down, letting the hosts off the hook again.
England’s appeal for a penalty just before the half-hour mark, when Kane was brought down by Bonello, resulted in the Three Lions captain receiving a yellow card for diving. The decision, inexplicably allowed to stand despite a VAR check.
England’s first shot of the game came after 39 minutes when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s speculative effort sailed high over the bar.
In the second half, Marcus Rashford missed an opportunity to double England’s lead, reaching a long ball from Alexander-Arnold but being marshaled away from goal.
The game’s first shot on target came from Alexander-Arnold in the 64th minute, with his half-volley comfortably collected by Bonello.
England finally secured a second goal in the final 15 minutes. Kyle Walker and Foden combined on the edge of the box, with Saka providing a quick first-time pass into Kane, who finished from close range.
Immediately after kick-off, England believed they had a third goal. Declan Rice’s powerful shot found the far corner, but Kane, judged to be blocking Bonello’s view from an offside position, resulted in the goal being disallowed.