It took 64 minutes for England to even have a shot on target against the minnows of Malta. No wonder the squadron of paper aeroplanes were back out in force at Wembley Stadium.
The result was never in doubt, and it never could be against such weak opposition, but England made excruciating hard work of securing first place in their group and therefore a spot among the top seeds at next year’s European Championship.
Unfortunately for Gareth Southgate, not one of the apparent fringe players outside of his first-choice team – apart from Phil Foden – pressed their case and while it seems England have such a strong squad, it is becoming a recurring theme. None of the others did so either in the recent friendly against Australia.
The best in show was Foden while Harry Kane, harshly booked for diving, scored his 62nd goal for England in the game’s one moment of fluidity. Beyond that, if the intention was to dampen down expectation, which clearly it was not, then it was mission accomplished.
Southgate had talked about entertaining a sold-out Wembley but the crowd had thinned long before the end, having shown they were distracted during the first half when the paper missiles were aimed.
The last time that had happened was in October 2017, against Slovenia, when England secured a place at the World Cup in Russia in a fixture that is often referenced as a low point by Southgate.
England have come a long way since then but it was a forgettable evening when they should have been celebrating, with Jordan Henderson – following his move to Saudi Arabia – again booed off the pitch as he was substituted.
Let’s be honest, it was remarkably ragged for England during a first half when they could have fallen behind to the 171st-ranked nation in world football in the first minute, when they went ahead through an own goal seven minutes later, when Harry Maguire seemed unable to pass to a team-mate, when Fikayo Tomori looked like he was playing his first-ever game at left-back (which he was) and when captain Harry Kane was left stunned after being cautioned for apparently diving when he believed he should, in fact, have had a penalty.
Indeed, he should have. Var did not step in and so the card and affront stood even as it looked like what it was: a clear and obvious error by the Portuguese referee. Kane was caught by goalkeeper Henry Bonello having intercepted his loose pass.
There was no jeopardy, of course, and that showed with a Mexican wave breaking out in the crowd after just 36 minutes and with England having not registered a shot on target. Or even one off-target. By 42 minutes paper aeroplanes were being aimed at the pitch, followed by a cheer as one actually made it to the centre circle. It was that kind of game.
Southgate went for a mix-and-match team and, unfortunately, it showed. Maybe there were three or four from the 11 who would be expected to start next summer’s tournament. But there are places up for grabs. Who was seizing their chance here?
They should have dominated and knocked over Malta. Instead, Teddy Teuma brushed Jordan Pickford’s right-hand post from 20 yards before England scored.
Even the goal was odd as Foden’s first touch was too heavy but then his pace was too much for the Maltese defence. As he tried to cut the ball back to Kane it was intercepted by Enrico Pepe, who turned it into his own net.
Surely that would trigger England taking over? Instead, Maguire looked vulnerable without John Stones alongside him in the heart of defence and the right-footed Tomori was not done any favours out on the left.
The AC Milan centre-half was booked and looked uncomfortable and without the injured pair of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell it is a problem area for England. Maybe it would have been fairer for Tomori to switch him and Kieran Trippier, who has played on that flank.
Kane played angry after his caution but, too often, it was breaking down for England. The only fluidity and impetus was coming from Foden while in central midfield, where he believes his best chance lies to showcase his talents and get into the team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was maybe trying too hard to impress. There were a couple of lovely flighted passes to Kane but several more were wayward.
Tomori and Conor Gallagher paid the price. Both were withdrawn at half-time and it felt particularly tough on Tomori, especially as Trippier shuffled over to the left to accommodate Kyle Walker. Both had also taken a buffeting, and so were maybe being protected, but it had been underwhelming.
It really had to get better. Just two shots and none on target was England’s worst return in six years and the mitigation then was they were playing Germany and not Malta. But when Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford ran into each other it summed up the poverty of the performance.
So Southgate turned to two more substitutes, with the first shot on target coming after 64 minutes from Alexander-Arnold. It was easily held by Bonello.
It was becoming almost surreal, with a delay as one of the assistant referees broke his flag, before, finally, Kane brought some semblance of normality. His goal came from a simple move that begged the question why England had not done it before. Yes, Malta were tiring, but the ball was moved quicker with Foden finding substitute Bukayo Saka. He neatly teed up Kane and the result was secured.
Declan Rice, another substitute, struck seconds later but it was ruled out for offside after a Var check. It would have put an unfair gloss on the scoreline that England did not deserve.
England vs Malta: as it happened
10:25 PM GMT
England captain Harry Kane speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live
“It was not our finest performance, let’s say, but sometimes you play a team who have got more quality than people think. At the start of the game, we missed the right tempo. We were sloppy and we couldn’t quite build.
“In the second half we had more control and created chances. But overall, it’s a 2-0 win.”
On his yellow card for diving:
“I was surprised it didn’t get overturned but the referee has made his decision. Sometimes the VAR doesn’t want to interfere too much but it is what it is. That’s football and it’s part of the game.
“I am just focused on the fact we won and hopefully, that secures us as top seed for next summer.”
On preparing for Euro 2024 and the depth in England’s squad:
“I think we are playing a lot of games at the moment. We have some injuries as well and the players coming in have to perform. All the players today who started weren’t at their usual standard but that’s football. We maybe felt mental fatigue a little bit.
“We are top of the group and we have one game and hopefully, we finish it with a win.”
On wearing number nine and scoring on the night Wembley said farewell to Sir Bobby Charlton:
“Sir Bobby was one of England’s best-ever players and the tribute was fantastic. He will be missed throughout the whole country. We wanted to win because of that and I was desperate to score because of that.
“To say goodbye and win the match at Wembley is a nice thing to do.”
10:20 PM GMT
Kane satisfied with his night
10:19 PM GMT
England manager Gareth Southgate speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live
“If you don’t start games well it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t. We know the level we’ve got should be better, can be better.
“Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation. We didn’t hit the heights that we have done this calendar year.
“So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel and clearly it’s possible we could have had three or four with the decisions as well but we didn’t create enough clear chances to deserve that anyway.”
Should fans be concerned?
“We’ve asked people to fill roles that aren’t their usual position, like Fikayo [Tomori], and it’s not easy for him to build down that side.
“We’ve got problems with availability in that area of the pitch and you are trying to give some players a rest. We have a lot of players that weren’t in there tonight.
“I thought Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Phil [Foden] and Marc Guehi were good and Cole Palmer coming on for his debut had a good impact. There are positives but we know we were not where we want to be and can be.”
10:15 PM GMT
Memorable week for Palmer
Sunday: Last-minute equaliser against his former club 🥶
Monday: First call-up to England senior squad 📞
Friday: England debut 🏴What a week for Cole Palmer! pic.twitter.com/5HxT0haXQU
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 17, 2023
10:14 PM GMT
In fine form
33 – Harry Kane has been directly involved in 33 goals in 20 appearances for club and country this season.
Bayern: 16 games, 21 goals, 7 assists
England: 4 games, 4 goals, 1 assistDominant. pic.twitter.com/1CqrfizeHe
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 17, 2023
10:10 PM GMT
A positive view of the game
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Joe Wilko: “I was there, don’t believe all you read. It was a cultured and classy performance, an accurate display of structured football. Sir Gareth has delivered another unbeaten qualification, and we are lucky to have this genius on board.”
10:07 PM GMT
England manager Gareth Southgate speaking to Channel Four
“It was a game when we didn’t start well and if you don’t start well it’s hard to pick the game up. We got a goal out of nothing really.
“But the quality on the ball is not normally at that level and it was a game where the players knew they could win at a canter and didn’t extend themselves.
“These players have played so many games and have done so well for us so I am not going to hammer them for it. We weren’t where we should be but we got the win.”
On Trent Alexander-Arnold:
“He has got outstanding quality. He and Phil [Foden] were the two in the first half that looked like opening the game up for us.
“Marc Guehi was good at the back and the changes brought more quality. They don’t lose by fives and sixes and obviously, we didn’t create as many chances as we’d like to.”
10:05 PM GMT
More of your views
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Steve Dee: “Joe Cole says ‘nothing to be concerned about’ well first of all I would be very concerned if I had paid two hundred pounds for two of us to go and watch that rubbish and secondly it proves that England always have a bad game in them! Play like that against a decent team, France, Spain, Italy Germany etc. and we will get stuffed. Once again Southgate proves he can underachieve with all the talent available. Maguire gave the ball away a few times and set up Maltese attacks, he shouldn’t be playing for England.
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David Edwards: “England have a wealth of amazing young talent. However, when you put Gareth Southgate in charge…”
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David Dingley: “And no proper football this weekend because of this garbage..”
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Stephen Barry: “That must have been a world record number of back passes. Southgate at his finest.”
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Laurence Fatherley: “I wonder if Rashford was late to join the squad because he thought he wasn’t good enough…”
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Slightly Aghast: “England have already peaked under Southgate – when they choked at the penalty stage against Italy in the final. Can’t wait until Southgate has gone.”
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North Star: “Henderson in midfield tells you everything you need to know about Southgate.”
09:58 PM GMT
Should Rice’s goal have been disallowed?
Declan Rice thought he had made it 3-0 to England not long after Harry Kane’s goal but it was ruled out for an offside by Kane. Joe Cole has been giving his thoughts on the decision on Channel Four:
“Unfortunately, it is the right decision. The referee has gone to look at VAR and Harry has strayed offside.
“It actually touches his shirt. It is harsh but I can see why the referee gave it.”
09:54 PM GMT
Player ratings
How did the England players fare tonight? You can take a look at Mike McGrath’s ratings.
09:50 PM GMT
Joe Cole on Channel Four
“Nothing to be concerned about. It was a flat night, but it always looked like England had more gears to go into.
“It’s a forgetful night at Wembley considering the high standards these guys set. But they’ll be alright on Monday night.”
09:46 PM GMT
Your views
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Chris P Nugget: “Do they realise people are paying to watch them? No excuse for that carp.”
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Elphy Bay: “Another embarrassing Southgate Borefest. 0 out of 10 for effort and 0 out of 10 for quality.”
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Tom Mein: “What on earth were Rashford, Henderson and Maguire doing on that pitch, absolutely dreadful.”
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Keith Smith: “Thank goodness that’s over.”
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Paul Clements: “Officials 3 (two refused pens and a perfectly good goal chalked off) England 2, Malta 0. Boredom factor, high, skill level, low. Excuses to follow, plentiful.”
I think it is safe to say people are not very happy with that performance and understandably so.
09:39 PM GMT
FT: England 2 Malta 0
Full time at Wembley and England win 2-0 thanks to an own goal and Harry Kane’s 62nd international goal.
09:36 PM GMT
90+2 minutes: England 2 Malta 0
Palmer does really well to earn England a corner. He dribbles into the Malta box and his cross is deflected behind. Maguire meets Foden’s corner but cannot get a good connection.
09:33 PM GMT
90 minutes: England 2 Malta 0
There will be six minutes of additional time at the end of this game. Some England fans do not seem too pleased with that! I will leave you to draw your own conclusions as to why…
09:31 PM GMT
87 minutes: England 2 Malta 0
Alexander-Arnold shoots from distance and the goalkeeper just about parries it away despite it wobbling a bit in the air.
09:30 PM GMT
86 minutes: England 2 Malta 0
Rice does get a chance to get his goal but he cannot take it. Walker drills the ball across the box and the ball is slightly behind Rice. His touch is too heavy and the chance goes begging.
09:26 PM GMT
83 minutes: England 2 Malta 0
Malta create an opening. Yankam has it inside the England box and lets rip but his shot does not trouble Pickford’s goal.
09:22 PM GMT
No goal
It is not 3-0 and Rice has his goal disallowed as Kane was offside and adjudged to be interfering with the goalkeeper’s line of vision.
09:20 PM GMT
GOAL! Declan Rice curls in to make it 3-0
Like London buses, two come at once! Rice dribbles 20, 30 yards towards the Malta box. He cuts inside and curls into the far corner. 93 seconds between the two goals.
09:19 PM GMT
GOAL! Harry Kane makes it 2-0
England finally get their second! One, two-touch by England to get it going. Walker into Foden on the edge of the box. He plays it first time into Saka, who feeds it across to Kane who slots home to double England’s advantage.
09:16 PM GMT
73 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Walker whips the ball ferociously from the right towards Palmer but the Chelsea man cannot get a shot away.
09:10 PM GMT
67 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Foden flicks it for Alexander-Arnold to come onto. He goes for the top right-hand corner but his shot has too much power and goes just over the bar.
09:09 PM GMT
65 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Palmer, just minutes into his England debut, wins his side a free-kick in a very dangerous area centrally just outside the Malta penalty area. Alexander-Arnold, Trippier and Foden are standing over it…
09:08 PM GMT
64 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
England get their first shot on target! Alexander-Arnold volleys but it is straight at Bonello in the Malta goal.
“Interesting that Palmer, who was a latecomer into the squad, gets on ahead of Jarrod Bowen and Jack Grealish, who were originally in the England squad. Always confuses me when that happens.”
09:06 PM GMT
63 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
To sum up England’s dire performance tonight, they are yet to register a shot on target so far tonight. Neither have Malta mind!
09:05 PM GMT
61 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
England are going to make their second double change as Henderson, who receives boos on his way off, is replaced by Rice, who receives a great ovation. Cole Palmer comes on for his England debut despite not actually being named in the initial squad, replacing Rashford.
“Something else Gareth won’t like – Henderson loudly booed as he is replaced by Declan Rice. Cole Plamer, on the other hand, loudly cheered when he is sent on.”
09:03 PM GMT
60 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Malta have made a double change on the hour as Jones, who was born in London, and Kristensen come on.
09:02 PM GMT
59 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Alexander-Arnold plays a superb diagonal to Rashford inside the box but he takes too many touches and Malta clear. Moments later the two England players run straight into each other and Rashford, who has come off worse, is receiving some treatment from the medical staff.
09:01 PM GMT
58 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
A great one-two between Saka and Alexander-Arnold on the right earns England a corner but Malta manage to clear the danger.
09:00 PM GMT
56 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Rashford does well to get to the byline but his ball across lets him down as it is intercepted. He was one of a number of England players who were disappointing in that first half but he has been brighter in this second half.
08:57 PM GMT
53 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Foden makes a great bursting run forward. He plays it to Rashford who dribbles into the Malta box. Rashford is then penalised for a foul but how on earth was that a free-kick against Rashford? If you are going to give any foul there it should have been against Malta, not England.
08:54 PM GMT
50 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
England have the first corner of this second half. Foden will take an outswinger from the left which is met by Maguire. But his header loops up into the air and it is an easy catch for Bonello.
08:50 PM GMT
47 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Trippier has switched over to left-back with Walker coming on. Saka has come onto the right wing and Foden has moved inside into a central position.
“Taking Fikayo Tomori at half-time feels very harsh from Southgate after starting the centre back as a makeshift left-back. What did he really expect from him?”
08:48 PM GMT
Back underway with two changes
We are back underway for the second half at Wembley and Gareth Southgate has decided to make a double change. Walker and Saka are on and Tomori and Gallagher are off.
08:41 PM GMT
Your views
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Steve Dee: “Southgate strikes again – with the players England have available he has underachieved!!”
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C Powell: “An utterly pathetic performance using old codgers. Southgate had the opportunity to use a full team of reserves against a side with zero points and -17.”
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Kevin Edwards: “Deserve to be booed off. Dreadful, negative football.”
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Neale Harvey: “Captain Cautious Southgate is ruining this team. Perfect opportunity to unleash in-form players and he picks Maguire, Henderson and Rashford. Utter joke.”
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John Spencer: “What utter garbage from England, we suspended the best League in the world for this! Southgate on 8 million a year for a part time job he is totally useless at. A joke.”
08:35 PM GMT
Your thoughts
What have you made of that first half? Does Gareth Southgate need to make some changes, either tactically or personnel, at the break? Have your say in the comments section.
08:33 PM GMT
HT: England 1 Malta 0
That is half-time and England lead by just the one goal thanks to Pepe’s own goal inside the opening 10 minutes. Not a good performance from England in that first half.
08:32 PM GMT
45 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
There will be just one minute of additional time at the end of this first half.
08:29 PM GMT
42 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Kane does brilliantly to wriggle away and fire the ball out to Rashford on the touchline. He dribbles towards the box from the left and as he cuts inside the ball is intercepted. But it does go out for an England corner. The ball is whipped in but the referee awards a free-kick to Malta. Not sure where the foul was there!
08:28 PM GMT
40 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Should England have had a penalty or did Harry Kane dive? You can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.
Five minutes of normal time to go before half-time. England only one goal up and that came through an own-goal.
“The paper aeroplanes are out which is never a good sign. As England prepare to take a corner, some of the crowd cheer as one of them lands on the pitch. It’s that sort of night so far.”
08:26 PM GMT
38 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Malta now have a corner of their own. Teuma to take but England are able to clear the danger. As England break Guillaumier hacks down Gallagher and is the next player in the book.
08:24 PM GMT
36 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Rashford wants a free-kick just outside the Malta box on the left but England do have a corner which Foden will take. But Bonello catches it and Malta can clear.
08:17 PM GMT
29 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Penalty or dive from Kane? The referee decides Kane has dived and awards him a yellow. It is an awful clearance from the goalkeeper and Kane takes it round the goalkeeper. He goes down but instead of being awarded a penalty he is penalised for diving. VAR is in action tonight but the decision stands.
“England captain Harry Kane has been booked for giving after going down in the area. He’s not happy about it at all. The goalkeeper did look like he made contact with him.”
08:15 PM GMT
28 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Pickford does not deal well with the initial delivery and Malta keep it alive. But the second cross is caught by Pickford.
08:14 PM GMT
26 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Tomori was the victim of a foul that resulted in a yellow a few moments ago but he is now into the book. Malta will have a free-kick in a dangerous area on the edge of the box on the right. It is whipped in and Kane heads it behind for a corner to Malta…
08:12 PM GMT
24 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
England have a corner on the right. Trippier whips an outswinger in but Malta are able to clear their lines.
08:11 PM GMT
23 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Mbong is the first man into the book for a foul on Tomori. He was trying to block Tomori’s clearance but he did catch Tomori and deserves a yellow card.
08:10 PM GMT
22 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Malta have been solid so far. We all expect this to be a very easy night for England but the visitors have acquitted themselves well so far. England look like they are in cruise control and perhaps are taking it a little too easy.
“Harry Maguire has already given the ball away a couple of times tonight. It’s always noticeable that he and England find it harder to play out from the back when John Stones isn’t there.”
08:05 PM GMT
17 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Alexander-Arnold plays a delightful ball forward in the channel to Kane. There is not much support for the England striker so he waits and plays it back to an onrushing Alexander-Arnold. The pass is not great but Alexander-Arnold gets past the first defender but a sliding tackle then dispossesses him. Kane’s pass should have been better.
07:58 PM GMT
10 minutes: England 1 Malta 0
Mbong goes for goal from outside the England box but his shot goes over the bar.
07:57 PM GMT
GOAL! England take the lead thanks to own goal
England have the lead and it is not even a player with an England shirt on who scores! Foden’s touch looks heavy but it ends up being perfect as he runs onto his own touch on the right of the box. He tries to find Kane in the centre but the Malta centre-back Pepe diverts it past his own goalkeeper, despite his best efforts to keep it out.
07:54 PM GMT
7 minutes: England 0 Malta 0
Reid is so lucky to escape without a yellow card for a nasty tackle on Alexander-Arnold. You imagine if that was committed in 20 minutes time rather than inside the opening 10 minutes it would have been a yellow.
07:52 PM GMT
5 minutes: England 0 Malta 0
Tomori is indeed starting at left-back. England have gone with a back four rather than a back three with three centre-halves on the pitch and two wing-backs.
07:48 PM GMT
1 minute: England 0 Malta 0
Malta are inches away from taking the lead after 40 seconds! Teuma tries to curl one into the far corner from just outside the box and it goes just past the post!
07:47 PM GMT
Kick-off
We are underway at Wembley.
“Jordan Henderson’s name is once again booed by a section of England fans when his name is read out ahead of kick-off.”
07:46 PM GMT
Applause for Bobby
Wembley falls into darkness and everyone stands in a minute’s applause to remember Sir Bobby Charlton.
“Perfectly observed moment of applause for Sir Bobby Robson ahead of kick-off with the lights dimmed and one side of Wembley displaying the England and Manchester United legend’s name.”
07:41 PM GMT
Time for the anthems
Both sides are out of the tunnels and it is time for the national anthems. First Malta and then England.
07:39 PM GMT
England manager Gareth Southgate on Channel Four
“We have to win, we always want to play well. We have 80,000 fans here buying in to what we’re doing.
“I think nights like this are definitely opportunities for people to see what they can do. This is a different test. It poses a difficult tactical issue playing against a low-block. We have players who can unlock the door like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane.
“Trent loves the role he’s had with Liverpool for a number of years. There are no doubts he can do both. We’ve liked what he’s done in midfield for us. His passing range and vision is exceptional. He has another chance tonight.”
07:38 PM GMT
Charlton remembered
Wembley is currently paying tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton with a video on the big scree. There is now just one surviving member of the 1966 World Cup-winning starting XI, which is Geoff Hurst.
07:34 PM GMT
Reminder of the team news
England: Pickford, Trippier, Maguire, Guehi, Tomori, Alexander-Arnold, Gallagher, Henderson, Foden, Kane, Rashford.
Subs: Johnstone, Ramsdale, Walker, Konsa, Grealish, Lewis, Saka, Rice, Watkins, Bowen, Palmer, Phillips.
Malta: Bonello, S. Borg, Pepe, J. Borg, J. Mbong, Yankam, Guillaumier, Teuma, Camenzuli, P. Mbong, Reid.
Subs: Grech, Al-Tumi, Attard, Shaw, Pisani, Jones, Overend, Nwoko, Muscat, Kristensen, Muscat, Apap.
07:29 PM GMT
Newbies on the bench
In the light of some drop-outs, Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer were called up to the squad and all three of them are on the bench and could make their England debuts tonight.
07:26 PM GMT
England warming up
20 minutes until kick-off at Wembley.
07:18 PM GMT
England midfielder Conor Gallagher speaking to Channel Four
“I think I can play in a few positions in midfield. I’m happy to play deeper or more attacking. I like to be involved in the final third and score and create goals. I like this type of role.
“The manager understands what I’m best at and he’s told me to do my stuff. I’ll just play my normal game.
“You’ve got a point to prove and you’ve got to try and impress the manager. Hopefully it can be a good performance today.
“Anyone who has seen Chelsea play can see what Cole Palmer brings to the squad. He’ll have no challenges settling in and I’m sure he’ll be brilliant.”
07:07 PM GMT
Tomori at left-back?
It looks like Fikayo Tomori is going to start at left-back for England tonight, with Kieran Trippier at right-back and Marc Guehi and Harry Maguire as the centre-halves. What are your opinions of Tomori starting at left-back? All of Tomori’s appearances for AC Milan so far this season have been at centre-back.
07:03 PM GMT
England players arriving
Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire all start for England tonight:
06:59 PM GMT
Have your say
What do you think the score will be tonight? How many will England put past Malta? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.
06:57 PM GMT
An inside look
Have you ever wondered what the England dressing room looks like at Wembley on matchday? Well, here you are:
06:51 PM GMT
Tributes to Sir Bobby
There are going to be plenty of tributes to Sir Bobby Charlton at Wembley tonight as England pays tribute to a World Cup winner. England manager Gareth Southgate attended Charlton’s funeral at Manchester Cathedral on Monday and tonight Wembley will pay its tribute.
06:48 PM GMT
Hey Jude!
He is not involved tonight due to injury, but Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham received the Golden Boy award earlier today:
06:46 PM GMT
Gareth Southgate speaking to Channel Four
06:42 PM GMT
Fancy a bet?
Having a bet on today’s match? First take a look at these free bets and betting offers.
06:40 PM GMT
Malta team news
Malta: Bonello, S. Borg, Pepe, J. Borg, J. Mbong, Yankam, Guillaumier, Teuma, Camenzuli, P. Mbong, Reid.
Subs: Grech, Al-Tumi, Attard, Shaw, Pisani, Jones, Overend, Nwoko, Muscat, Kristensen, Muscat, Apap.
06:38 PM GMT
England team news
06:31 PM GMT
Match preview
England take on Malta at Wembley tonight in their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifier. England have already secured qualification for Euro 2024 ahead of tonight’s game. England do though still have something to play for over the next two games; they want to be a top seed and only the top five best performing nations will be top seeds.
During his pre-match press conference, manager Gareth Southgate has expressed his frustration at what he feels is constantly having to respond to criticism of his decisions.
“Well, the reality of that is however well we play tomorrow people will just say it’s a lower ranked opponent, so it’ll be irrelevant. People are going to have opinions. I’m probably tired of trying to fight that.
“In the end, it will be what it is. So, I’ll just let our results and performances speak for themselves. You’re never going to please everybody, so the best way as a football manager is keep winning matches, frankly.”
One man set to start in the midfield for England tonight is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool right-back is listed in the England squad as a midfielder and he is keen to play as much for his country no matter what position he is playing.
“When I’m here, when I’m not here, I’m constantly thinking about trying to get into the team for the summer.
“Since we spoke in the summer, me and the manager, about a midfield opportunity and to see if we could make it work, there has been a newfound excitement for me.
“It is a huge opportunity and it is one I am grateful to have, but also making sure I take it. It’s still early days, I haven’t had much experience in there so still learning on the job and about picking it up as much as I can when I am in there.”
After tonight’s match, England travel to North Macedonia on Monday night for their final qualifier.