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Steffen Schmidt - June 13, 2023
Malta vs England
UEFA EURO Qualification
Date: 16 June 2023, Friday
Kick-off at 19:45 UK / 20:45 CET
Venue: Ta’Qali National Stadium (Ta’Qali).
England made a massive step towards booking their place at the 2024 EURO in Germany in the opening two games of the qualifying campaign.
The Three Lions took a maximum of six points from the clashes against the main group rivals Italy and Ukraine.
They sit atop the Group C standings with the clashes against Malta and North Macedonia upcoming.
Gareth Southgate has called up a very strong squad for the next two outings, including a debut call-up for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze after his scintillating Premier League form in the second half of the season.
Harry Kane is always there for the national team. He has had an exceptional season for Spurs individually. The captain was also on target in each of England’s opening two qualifiers and we most certainly fancy him to do well against group minnows on Friday.
Malta started the campaign with defeats to North Macedonia and Italy. They did, however, concede only two goals in each of these two affairs.
The fact that Malta have not shipped more than two goals in 13 consecutive matches sounds impressive for their standards.
This streak will be in huge danger on Friday, though, given the quality of the opposition they are up against.
We must also say that Malta kept their net untouched in a 0-1 victory over Luxembourg in an exhibition played seven days ago.
England should not have too many problems easing past Malta on Friday. We expect them to finish the job in the first half and we will take the Three Lions to have at least a two-goal advantage at the half-time break at the 2.05 odds.
Alternatively, we fancy Harry Kane to score two or more goals here at the 2.25 odds. Tottenham’s talisman is always chasing goal-scoring records and this match is an ideal opportunity for him to add to his impressive tally for the national side.
