Prediction: Malta vs England

Verdict: England half-time/full-time

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Looking to make it three qualifying victories on the bounce this weekend, England will travel to the Ta’ Qali Stadium when they meet Malta on Friday night.

Malta

Starting with the hosts, while Malta might have managed to claim a welcomed boost last week as they clinched a 1-0 friendly victory away at Luxembourg, the Falcons know that they are seeking a major qualifying miracle here. Opening up their Group C adventure earlier in the year with a pair of flat performances, Michele Marcolini’s men already find themselves sat rock-bottom of the table and seen as a landslide favourite to lift the wooden spoon. Suffering back-to-back qualifying defeats at the hands of Italy and North Macedonia back in March, the Reds have also shown some extended issues in the final third. Hit with a routine 4-0 drumming when they last welcomed England to the Ta’ Qali Stadium for a qualifying showdown back in September 2017, there is no doubt that Malta should be bracing themselves for another overwhelming test on Friday night.

Team News

In what is a major blow for Malta on Friday night, Marcolini’s side will be unable to call upon midfield talisman Teddy Teuma after the 29-year-old sustained a foot injury while on domestic duties with Belgian club Union SG.

However, helping Notts County make their Football League return in a dramatic fashion last month, one-time Coventry starlet Jodi Jones will earn his sixth cap here. However, uncapped shot-stopper Cain Formosa has withdrawn from Malta’s squad this month.

England

As for the visitors, while England might have suffered major World Cup heartbreak at the hands of France over the winter, Gareth Southgate’s men have claimed a welcomed boost since turning their attention t qualifying duties. Along with opening their Group C adventure with an eye-catching 2-1 win away at Italy back on March 23rd, Gareth Southgate’s superstar squad have clinched back-to-back qualifying wins. Likewise, last seen landing a routine 2-0 victory at home against Ukraine, the Three Lions are seen as a landslide pick to pinch top spot in Group C. Storming their way to a 4-0 romp when they last travelled to the Ta’ Qali Stadium back in 2017, it should also be noted that England have won all five of their meetings against Malta by an aggregate score of 14-1. Losing just one of their previous eight appearances across all competitions, Southgate’s men will simply be looking to make another statement here.

Team News

Both Jude Bellingham and Lewis Dunk have withdrawn from England’s squad this month and will play no part here. Likewise, the Three Lions have also not included the Chelsea trio of Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell and Reece James.

Notching 30 Premier League goals last season and also finding the net in each of his previous four international appearances, Harry Kane should spearhead Southgate’s attack here. The Tottenham skipper could be joined in attack by Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back in September 2017, England cruised their way to a routine 4-0 victory at the Ta’ Qali Stadium.
• Likewise, the Three Lions have won all five of their previous meetings against Malta by an aggregate score of 14-1.
• Aside from their World Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of France over the winter, that is the only defeat that England have tasted from their last eight appearances.
• Continuing on from their previous qualifying adventure in 2019, Malta have lost each of their last five matchups on home soil.
• Tottenham striker Harry Kane has scored in each of his last four international appearances on the bounce.

Conclusion

Opening their qualifying adventure with back-to-back victories, England have certainly been handed another golden chance here. Tipped as a landslide pick to clinch top spot in Group C, Southgate’s superstar squad should be relishing a trip to the Ta’ Qali Stadium on Friday night. Storming to a routine 4-0 romp when they travelled to Malta back in September 2017, it is extremely hard to see anything other than a routine outing for the Three Lions. Winning all five of their previous meetings against the Group C strugglers by an aggregate score of 14-1, England will simply be looking to make another qualifying statement this weekend.

Verdict: England half-time/full-time

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet