The Three Lions faced Malta in a crucial World Cup qualifying match this past weekend. Coming into the match, England knew they needed a win against the overmatched opposition to stay on track for automatic qualification.
While Malta is usually outclassed against top international sides, they deployed a stubborn defensive scheme aimed at frustrating England and holding out for a point. Malta packed numbers behind the ball and diligently tracked runners to restrict space in dangerous areas. This led to England dominating possession as expected, but finding it difficult to carve out clear chances against the well-drilled Maltese backline.
However, England's superior quality and attacking depth would eventually tell. Harry Kane had a relatively quiet match by his standards, but his intelligent movement pulled defenders out of position. That gave space for teammates like Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount to dart into the box and combine for England's opener just before the break. Players like Sterling and Mount were menacing all evening with their direct running and eye for goal.
In the second half, England kept coming in waves of pressure and their efforts were rewarded with more goals朗. Phil Foden got on the end of a pinpoint Jack Grealish cross to nod home from close range. substitute Bukayo Saka proved a constant nuisance for the tiring Malta defense, and the Arsenal winger capped his industrious cameo with a well-taken third for England in stoppage time.
By the final whistle, England had secured the expected three points to move five points clear at the top of their qualifying group with four matches remaining👌. Manager Gareth Southgate will be pleased with how his team wore Malta down to get the job done professionally, while also giving minutes to promising young talents like Foden, Mount and Saka. England produced an efficient if not thrilling display to take another step toward qualifying for next year's World Cup in Qatar🏆. Up next is a trip to face minnows Andorra as England looks to stay atop their group heading into the business end of qualifying.
So in summary, while it wasn't the prettiest of performances, England did what they needed to against Malta - three goals and three points moves them closer to punching their ticket to Qatar 2022. As long as the goals and wins keep coming, Southgate won't mind how they get the job done. - https://mbscore.tv/match/england-vs-malta-18712366