England thrash Malta to remain undefeated in Euro qualifiers

In the match valid for the third round of the Euro Cup Qualifiers, the English team showed its favoritism when facing the selection of Malta this Friday (16). From the beginning, the English did not find it difficult to impose themselves, especially in the first half. With goals scored by Apap (own), Alexander-Arnold, Harry Kane and Callum Wilson, the 4-0 score was convincingly built.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to face a theoretically calmer challenge, coach Gareth Southgate made some changes to the team, introducing new features, such as the presence of James Maddison in the starting lineup. However, players like Luke Shaw, Maguire, Kane and other starters were also on the field, reinforcing the quality of the England team during the match.

_{Harry Kane scored against Malta. Playback/Matthew MIRABELLI/AFP}

FIRST TIME

Early in the game, Kane had a dangerous chance, but Bonello saved his shot. At eight minutes, Saka crossed and defender Apap scored against, putting England in advantage: 1 to 0. Although pressured, the English team found it difficult to overcome Malta’s defense. In the 27th minute, Alexander-Arnold scored the second goal, and then Kane converted a penalty, increasing the score to 3-0. At the end of the first half, Bonello saved a shot by Saka, avoiding the fourth goal.

In the game, England had a dangerous opportunity early on, but Bonello saved it. At eight minutes, Apap scored an own goal after a Saka cross, putting England ahead: 1 to 0. Despite the pressure, Malta’s defense remained firm. In the 27th minute, Alexander-Arnold scored the second goal, followed by a penalty converted by Kane, increasing the score to 3-0. At the end of the first half, Bonello saved a shot from Saka, preventing another goal.

Kane had a dangerous opportunity early in the game, but Bonello made the save. At eight minutes, Saka made a cross that resulted in an own goal by Apap, putting England ahead: 1 to 0. Despite the pressure, Malta’s defense remained strong. In the 27th minute, Alexander-Arnold scored the second goal, followed by a penalty converted by Kane, making it 3-0. Late in the first half, Bonello saved a shot from Saka, preventing England from scoring a fourth goal.

SECOND TIME

In return for the second half, the English team made a substitution, with Phil Foden coming in for Saka. Barely started the complementary stage and Maddison had the first opportunity, but kicked it out. Later, Kane received the ball in front and tried to beat goalkeeper Bonello, but the shot was deflected.

Gareth Southgate decided to change the team and promoted three replacements at once: Kane, Shaw and Henderson gave way to Mings, Wilson and Rashford. Despite maintaining the pressure in search of the fourth goal, England failed to create a real chance of danger to extend the scoreboard. The technician still made the last change, putting Eze in place of Maddison.

In the 37th minute, in a move from the right, the referee signaled a penalty in favor of England. Callum Wilson took charge, tricked the goalkeeper and scored the fourth goal for the English, making the score 4-0. Soon after, the team had another opportunity, but the defense managed to avoid the fifth goal after a riot in the area. With no great additional chances, England controlled the game until the final whistle.

England’s next challenge is scheduled for next Monday (19), at 3:45 pm (Brasília time), against North Macedonia. It will be another opportunity for the English to demonstrate their superiority on the field and continue their journey towards the classification. On the same day, Malta will have a difficult confrontation against Ukraine, seeking a positive result to reverse its situation in the group.

Featured Photo: England national team. Playback/Getty Images