Top meets bottom in Group C as England look to cement their Euro 2024 position with victory over Malta at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.
England beat Italy and Ukraine in March to take control of the group, so Gareth Southgate's men head to Malta expecting to dominate their humble opponents.
- England to win 3-0
- No card in the match
- Marcus Rashford first goalscorer
Three Lions Should Cruise To Victory
Jack Grealish is probably still recovering from his Champions League final hangover and many English stars are flagging at the end of a long, hard domestic season, but there is no reason to believe Gareth Southgate's team will fail to take three points from their trip to Malta.
The main puzzle for punters to solve is how many goals England will score against the footballing minnows. It would be a surprise if Malta manage to get on the scoresheet.
Malta have been boosted by a friendly success over Luxembourg last week, but it’s difficult to see them troubling likely England custodian Jordan Pickford. Malta's hopes of scoring have been dented by the fact that Teddy Teuma, fresh from a positive campaign in Belgium's top league, will miss the game with a foot injury.
Without the industry and craft of Teuma, Malta seem unlikely to create many chances, and a 3-0 away win looks the best angle in the correct-score market. England may well take their foot off the gas once well in front.
Referee To Have A Quiet Night
It isn’t difficult to imagine this game being played in low-key fashion, with England leaving their opponents chasing shadows, moving the ball effectively around the pitch and patiently waiting for openings.
With a capacity of less than 17,000, the National Stadium fails to intimidate larger nations like England, who will expect to win with ease. The problem for Southgate may be getting his men motivated enough for action – many will be looking forward to their summer holidays – rather than calming them down.
With England on autopilot, Malta out of their depth, and a lack of atmosphere, this mismatch may quickly turn into a damp squib, especially if England get an early goal. The big odds about there being no cards of any colour brandished by Croatian referee Igor Pajac are worth considering.
Rashford Hungry For Goals
Perhaps the most motivated player in an England shirt will be Marcus Rashford, who has just lost an FA Cup final and admits that Manchester City's treble success was difficult to witness. The Manchester United striker has arrived in Malta keen to make an impact.
Malta's defence may be able to handle Harry Kane, who they can crowd and hustle, but the electrifying pace of Rashford can be almost impossible to contain at times.
Rashford, who scored 30 goals from 56 appearances for United last season, should dribble regularly past the Malta rearguard with ease.
MARCUS RASHFORD FIRST GOALSCORER
