Prediction: England vs Malta

Verdict: Harry Kane to score 2+ goals

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Simply looking to make another EURO 24 qualifying statement on Friday night, England will welcome Malta to Wembley.

England

Starting with the hosts, while England might have been frustrated over the winter as they eventually had to settle for a World Cup quarter-final finish, the Three Lions have come roaring back this year. Last seen signing off October’s international break with a stellar 3-1 victory against Italy, Gareth Southgate’s men have breezed their way to EURO 24 without breaking much of a sweat. Mustering 16 points from their six Group C appearances and gaining a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third, England will simply be looking to make another statement here. In fact, along with winning each of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 7-2, Southgate’s side are riding a major wave of momentum. Tipped as a leading contender when they travel out to Germany next year, England have not suffered a single defeat since their World Cup quarter-final defeat against France 11 months ago.

Team News

Continuing to break a string of Bundesliga records since making the move to German giants Bayern Munich over the summer, skipper Harry Kane will once again spearhead Southgate’s charge on Friday night.

Suffering with a major ankle injury and not expected to feature again until the New Year, Tottenham talisman James Maddison has been forced to withdraw from England’s squad. Likewise, the Three Lions have also seen both Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill return to their respective clubs after sustaining recent blows.

Malta

As for the visitors, enduring what has been an expected qualifying struggle this year, Malta will be more than aware that they face another monumental challenge here. Last seen signing off October’s international break with a 3-1 drumming at home against Ukraine, Michele Marcolini’s men have lost all of their seven qualifying showdowns this year. Yet to put a single point on the board and already lifting the wooden spoon in Group C, the former Chievo boss has had little to cheer about. Hit with a 4-0 drumming when they met the Three Lions for their reverse Group C showdown back on June 16th, Malta should also be concerned by a nightmare record against Friday’s hosts. In fact, Marcolini’s side have lost all of their six historic meetings against England by an aggregate score of 18-1.

Team News

Bagging what was a consolation strike against Ukraine last month, 22-year-old Pau; Mbong will spearhead Malta’s charge on Friday night. Despite currently serving a domestic suspension, Enrico Pepe will once again partner former Aris Limassol defender Steve Borg at the back.

Veteran goalkeeper Henry Bonello will once again start between the sticks and the 35-year-old is set to earn a 47th international cap at Wembley.

Key Factors to Consider

• When England and Malta last met for their reverse Group C showdown on June 16th, the Three Lions picked up a 4-0 romp on foreign soil.
• Likewise, Southgate’s side have won each of their six historic meetings against Friday’s guests by an aggregate score of 18-1.
• Malta have lost each of their seven Group C appearances this year by an aggregate score of 18-2.
• Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has bagged 21 strikes in his first 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
• England have bagged 13 strikes in their previous four showdowns on foreign soil across all competitions.

Conclusion

Already cruising their way to EURO 24 and making a major statement of intent, England are simply looking to extend on their recent purple patch here. Unbeaten in each of their six Group C appearances and putting 16 points on the board, Southgate’s side will also be hugely excited by their rampant record against Malta. Including a routine 4-0 victory when the two sides last met back on June 16th, the Three Lions have won each of their six historic battles by an aggregate score of 18-1.

Verdict: Harry Kane to score 2+ goals

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Dachbet