England's low-key win over Malta leaves plenty of room for improvement - 5 talking points
ENGLAND 2-0 MALTA: Harry Kane scored his 62nd international goal as Gareth Southgate's side secured three points despite a below-par performance at Wembley
England boosted their chances of being seeded in pot one for Euro 2024 after an unconvincing 2-0 victory over Malta at Wembley.
The Three Lions took the lead in the eighth minute as Enrico Pepe diverted Phil Foden's cross into the back of his own net. However, Gareth Southgate's side failed to register a shot on target until the past the hour mark and struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities throughout.
But England did double their advantage in the 75th minute as Harry Kane finished off a free-flowing move, slotting home from close range. Declan Rice thought he had added a third as he swept the ball into the bottom corner, only for his strike to be ruled out by VAR for offside. That didn't impact the overall outcome, though, as the Three Lions recorded their sixth win from seven matches in Group C.
Southgate's side had already qualified for Euro 2024, but only five of the 10 group winners, as well as hosts Germany, will be seeded. A win over North Macedonia on Monday should be enough to put England in pot one for next month's draw. Here are five talking points from the game.
READ MORE: Man City and Chelsea should be shaking in their boots after warped Everton points deductionREAD MORE: England fans furious after "farcical" Harry Kane dive decision that VAR ignoredUnfortunate Malta
Having suffered a 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in June, it felt as though Malta had a point to prove in the opening stages and they almost took the lead within the first minute. Teddy Teuma pounced on an error and drove towards the edge of the area, but his low effort flew inches past the post.
Despite their positive start, it was England who edged ahead in unfortunate circumstances. A neat first touch from Foden saw the Manchester City midfielder burst into the box and his pass deflected off Pepe, with the ball looping over the unfortunate goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
It was a slice of luck England needed to break the deadlock as Malta had begun well, with Michele Marcolini's side actually having more shots (three) than the Three Lions (two) during the first half. In fact, Southgate's side didn't have a shot on target until the 63rd minute, although Kane's strike did put the result beyond doubt.
Controversial Kane dive
Kane thought he had earned England a penalty in the 28th minute. The Bayern Munich forward went down inside the box after trying to take the ball around Henry Bonello.
He was insistent he had been felled by the Maltese goalkeeper, but referee Luis Godinho had other ideas and gave Kane a yellow card for diving. Replays appeared to suggest there was contact between Kane's boot and Bonello's body, although VAR decided not to intervene.
This isn't the first time Kane has been booked for diving, however. While playing for Tottenham against Wolves in December 2018, Kane was cautioned after going down following a challenge from Ivan Cavaleiro. Meanwhile, Kane was branded as the biggest diver in the Premier League by Chris Sutton last year.
A touching tribute to Sir Bobby
England paid tribute to the late Sir Bobby Charlton before the game against Malta at Wembley. It was the Three Lions' first match since his sad passing on Saturday, October 21.
As the players gathered in the centre circle before kick-off, fans on Level 1 of the South Stand held up banners which read 'Sir Bobby'. A minutes' applause was then conducted as England remembered one of its greatest ever players. Fellow 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst and Debbie Hewitt, the Chair of the FA, both walked on the pitch with a wreath and Charlton's famous No.9 shirt.
Charlton, who netted 49 times in 106 caps for his country, was the Three Lions' leading goalscorer up until Wayne Rooney broke that record in September 2015.
Palmer's England debut
After an impressive start to the season, Chelsea winger Palmer was handed his chance to shine on the international stage with England against Malta. Palmer, who has scored six goals and grabbed four assists in 14 matches this term, came on in the 61st minute for his Three Lions bow.
In the process, Palmer became the 60th debutant under Southgate. He looked bright when he was introduced and produced a sublime piece of skill late on. The 21-year-old dazzled beyond his marker and won a corner, with Palmer pictured with a wide smile as he got up off the floor. A night to remember for him.
Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment
Southgate raised eyebrows before the game when Trent Alexander-Arnold was given the No.10 shirt and a place in midfield. The Liverpool defender started as part of a midfield three alongside Conor Gallagher and Jordan Henderson, with Kieran Trippier in the right-back berth.
However, it's safe to say Southgate's experiment didn't work. It seemed as though the balance wasn't right during the first half and the England boss chose to change it at the break. Gallagher and Fikayo Tomori replaced by Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker, with Foden moving into midfield and Trippier shuffling across to left-back.
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England were slightly improved in the second period but Southgate may be slightly concerned about his midfield's performance throughout, although he was missing the injured Jude Bellingham. As for Alexander-Arnold, he was kept on for the entire game and didn't have the impact he may have hoped.
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