Of their ultimate house sport of the Euro 2024 qualifying marketing campaign, England is ready to host minnows Malta at Wembley Stadium in an eagerly anticipated Group C battle on Friday.
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Whereas the Three Lions have already secured the highest spot within the part, they’re decided to realize most factors this month to be able to enter Pot 1 for the group-stage draw.
Following their revenge mission over Italy on the scene of their Euro 2020 heartbreak, England sealed their place in Germany with an emphatic victory over the reigning continental champions.
Though Italy will not be the identical power they as soon as had been, England’s complete win showcased their energy.
Regardless of a quick defensive lapse that allowed Gianluca Scamacca to attain for Italy, Harry Kane’s brace and a objective from Marcus Rashford accomplished a stellar comeback for Gareth Southgate’s facet. Previous to this victory, England had a lackluster efficiency in a 1-0 pleasant win towards Australia.
With 16 factors from six video games, England at the moment leads Group C. Whereas each Italy and Ukraine have the potential to attract degree with the Euro 2020 runners-up, England holds the benefit within the head-to-head column.
Nonetheless, securing first place isn’t the one mission for England. They’re certainly one of seven groups vying for 3 spots in Pot 1 of the group-stage draw, alongside hosts Germany and Portugal.
England has a sport in hand on Belgium, Austria, and Turkey, and a powerful 14th consecutive house win in Euro qualifiers is predicted by the Wembley trustworthy.
Then again, Malta finds themselves in a totally totally different scenario. Because the 171st-ranked nation on this planet, they’ve had a continental nightmare in Group C.
Presently, Malta is certainly one of 5 groups and not using a single level, alongside San Marino, Cyprus, Gibraltar, and Liechtenstein.
They’re susceptible to shedding each certainly one of their Euros qualifying matches for less than the second time in 51 years.
Their match towards Ukraine confirmed promise as they took an early lead by means of Paul Mbong, however finally suffered a 3-1 defeat.
With the assure of ending final within the group, Malta’s goal of their ultimate contest towards England is to salvage a sliver of pleasure.
Nonetheless, their shedding streak in Euros qualifiers could extend to 17 matches within the English capital.
Of their earlier encounter in June, England comfortably defeated Malta 4-0, making it six wins out of six towards their opponents.
Crew Information:
England will probably be with out a number of key gamers as a result of accidents and private causes. Jude Bellingham, Lewis Dunk, James Maddison, Callum Wilson, and Levi Colwill have all withdrawn from the squad.
Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips are but to hitch the staff for private causes.
Moreover, John Stones, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell, and Reece James will probably be absent from the protection, giving alternatives to Rico Lewis, Ezri Konsa, and Cole Palmer.
Malta, alternatively, welcomes again Kemar Reid, who is ready to earn his first cap after gaining citizenship. Teddy Teuma and Jodi Jones have additionally returned from harm and can strengthen the offensive ranks of the staff.
Potential beginning lineups:
England:(4-3-3)
Johnstone;
Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Trippier;
Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Gallagher;
Bowen, Kane, Foden
Malta:(3-4-1-2)
Bonello;
S. Borg, J. Borg, Pepe;
Attard, N. Muscat, Guillaumier, Camenzuli;
Teuma;
Jones, P. Mbong
Prediction:
No matter whether or not Gareth Southgate opts for a full-strength lineup or makes adjustments, England is predicted to dominate the match towards Malta.
With their eyes set on securing Pot 1 ambitions, a complete thrashing of Malta is probably going. Though Maltese followers might maintain some optimism with the return of Teuma and Jones, England’s protection ought to show too sturdy for them.
- Our Prediction: England 5-0 Malta
