Crushing Malta 4 goals, England team flies high in EURO qualifiers

The ball had only been rolling for 8 minutes at the Ta'Qali National Stadium when the visitors immediately received a "gift" from the home team's defense. From a pass from the right wing by Bukayo Saka, Malta's center-back Ferdinando Apap, in an attempt to block the ball, sent it straight into his own net.

Centre-back Ferdinando Apap scores an own goal after trying to block Saka's pass

For the first time being arranged to play in midfield instead of the usual right-back position, Trent Alexander-Arnold, although not yet able to show much in the new role, his inherent qualities were still enough for him to shine. In the 28th minute, Alexander-Arnold fired a beautiful long-range shot with his right foot, doubling the gap for England. The British media immediately praised the young star who had repeatedly lost his position in the Liverpool squad last season, hoping that he would soon regain his inherent class as a key member of the "Three Lions".

Alexander-Arnold tries out a new role with a superb long-range goal

Just three minutes after the second goal, the visitors scored again, this time from Harry Kane's penalty spot after he was brought down by home midfielder Matthew Guillaumier. This was Kane's 56th goal for his country.

Harry Kane was fouled by Matthew Guillaumier...

...and scored his 56th goal from the penalty spot

After the break, England slowed down their attack, played more leisurely but still scored more goals. For the second time in the match, the "Three Lions" were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute and Newcastle striker Callum Wilson scored with an accurate free kick, sealing a 4-0 victory for England right on Malta's field.

England won all 3 matches, topping Group C

Winning all three opening matches against Italy (2-1), Ukraine (2-0) and Malta (4-0), England won all 9 points to continue leading Group C of the EURO 2024 qualifiers. Italy did not play in the matches during this FIFA Days while North Macedonia lost 2-3 to Ukraine 2-3.

Taking to the field early on June 17, the French team with a very strong squad - except for 29-year-old goalkeeper Brice Samba, who was wearing the "Gaul's" shirt for the first time - also won 3-0 on the field of Gibraltar. Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe scored in the first half before an own goal by Aymen Mouelhi in the 78th minute helped the French team win away. Greece won 2-1 against the Republic of Ireland but still finished behind the French team in Group B.

Dong Linh - Photo: Reuters

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/de-bep-malta-4-ban-tuyen-anh-bay-cao-vong-loai-euro-2024-20230617073408813.htm