England have wrapped up qualification for Euro 2024 but there are two more Group C games for Gareth Southgate’s side to negotiate, starting with the Wembley encounter against basement boys Malta.
The Three Lions triumphed 4-0 over the Maltese in Ta' Qali earlier this summer and they will be targeting another handsome victory.
England – 1/66
Draw – 20/1
Malta – 66/1
England to win 4-0 – 9/2
England cruised to a 4-0 victory away to Malta in June and they could be just as comfortable when taking on the Group C minnows at Wembley Stadium.
Gareth Southgate’s men are 9/2 to register another 4-0 success and that looks a decent price despite the certainty of a few changes for the injury-hit home side.
England's qualification for Euro 2024 was assured after last month's impressive 3-1 victory over Italy, but there is no reason to expect a significant drop off in standards.
The race is on for players to impress in the build up to next summer's finals and Southgate may seize the opportunity to look at several of his fringe options.
Some areas of the squad have greater depth than others, but there is an abundance of riches in the attacking areas with Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins in top form and Bukayo Saka back in the mix after recovering from injury.
Malta's task is likely to be one of damage limitation although they are boosted by the availability of key duo Teddy Teuma and Jodi Jones, who were absent through injury for last month's losses away to Italy (0-4) and at home to Ukraine (1-3).
The Maltese have lost all of their seven Group C matches and will be bracing themselves for another hit to their minus 16 goal difference as they prepare for their toughest challenge of the section.
Malta have faced England on six previous occasions and suffered six defeats, scoring only one goal in the process.
They have suffered a pair of 4-0 defeats in the most recent encounters and a similar outcome may be on the cards.
Most goals in the second half – 5/6
England bagged three first half goals when they defeated Malta 4-0 in June but they may have to show a little more patience on home soil.
The Three Lions lack a top class number 10 with Jude Bellingham and James Maddison sidelined and it may take them a while to get into their rhythm.
Southgate’s side are used to coming up against massed defences in home fixtures and the match against Malta will be no different with the visitors likely to keep 11 men behind the ball.
Seven of England’s last 11 home goals have come after the break and the recent trend of a high-scoring second half could continue against Malta.
Ryan Camenzuli to be booked – 9/2
England will look to make the pitch as big as possible by getting down the flanks at every opportunity and that should mean a busy night for Maltese wingbacks Joseph Mbong and Ryan Camenzuli.
Of the duo, left-sided Camenzuli could have the tougher task if he is faced with coming up against Kyle Walker and Saka.
Camenzuli has been booked in three of his last seven club appearances for Maltese domestic side Hamrun Spartans and he looks overpriced for a yellow card against England at 9/2.
Bellingham (shoulder) has followed Maddison, Callum Wilson, Lewis Dunk and Levi Colwill in withdrawing from the squad. John Stones, Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw are also injured.
Jamaican-born attacker Kemar Reid gained Maltese citizenship in October and is set to earn his first cap. Teuma and Jones have recovered from injuries which ruled them out of last month's fixtures.
Malta have lost five of their last six competitive games without scoring.
Three of England's last four competitive matches have featured at least four goals.
England's last two victories over Malta have been by a 4-0 scoreline.
England wins | 6 |
Draws | 0 |
Malta wins | 0 |
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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