Malta host England at National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, in Qualifying Group C for UEFA Euro 2024.
Victory would see Malta climb off the foot of the table if Ukraine fail to match their result elsewhere, whilst England will stay top with a win and could open up a six-point lead if North Macedonia lose elsewhere.
Team News
Malta have no fresh injury concerns to report following their friendly win away to Luxembourg.
England will be without Brighton defender, Lewis Dunk after he withdrew from the squad with an unspecified injury.
Jude Bellingham is sidelined with a knee injury despite spending his rehabilitation with the Three Lions, rather than returning to Borussia Dortmund ahead of his confirmed move to Real Madrid.
John Stones, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish could all be rested here, having reported late for international duty due to Manchester City’ treble title celebrations.
When is Kick-Off?
Malta host England at National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, in a 8:45pm CET (7:45pm UK Time) kick-off on Friday 16 June, with Channel 4 broadcasting the match live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Malta are winless in five previous meetings against England in all competitions (L5).
- England have won all three previous visits to Malta (W3), including 1-0 in February 1971 during Qualifying for UEFA Euro 1972.
- Only five players from the last England team to face Malta in a 4-0 win in September 2017 remain in the squad – Kyle Walker, John Stones, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford.
- Malta have won two of their last five home matches in all competitions (W2, D1, L2).
- Harry Kane has scored in each of England’s last four matches (W3, L1), with two of his four goals scored from the penalty spot.
Prediction
Sat rock-bottom and aware that this window is make-or-break for their slim hopes of qualification, Malta certainly need to bring their best attacking game amidst their awful head-to-head form against England if want to put themselves right in the mix.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions meanwhile comfortably overcame two tough opening tests against Italy and Ukraine in March, which puts them in a solid position which could very well become even stronger if they win here.
Fatigue though could be England’s own opposition given how long the season has been but having had a few weeks of rest, I do expect them to turn up ready to fire on all cylinders and claim a comfortable win.
Prediction: Malta 0-3 England
Result: Malta 0-4 England
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