In a Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley Stadium on Friday, the England national team secured a lacklustre 2-0 victory over Malta.
Despite already securing qualification for next summer’s tournament, manager Gareth Southgate expressed disappointment with the Three Lions’ performance. They struggled to break down the minnows and showed signs of vulnerability, frequently surrendering possession.
The deadlock was finally broken in the eighth minute when Phil Foden’s cross deflected heavily off Enrico Pepe, looping over goalkeeper Henry Bonello and finding the net via the underside of the crossbar. Captain Harry Kane added a second goal late in the game, capitalizing on an assist from Bukayo Saka.
During the match, England faced challenges, with Malta threatening to level the scores. Teddy Teuma and Paul Mbong had close opportunities to score, and Kane’s penalty appeal was denied while a Declan Rice goal was disallowed.
The lack of significant stakes in the game might explain England’s underwhelming display. However, if they aim to contend for the Euro 2024 title in Germany next year, considerable improvement will be necessary based on this performance.
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