Malta vs England Predictions

• Malta have lost their last 11 European qualifiers
• England have won their last two meetings with Malta to nil
• Malta have not conceded more than twice in any of their last 13 games

England may go easy in qualification mismatch

This is a complete mismatch, as odds of 1-25 about England suggest, and it is extremely likely that Malta will only be looking to limit the damage.

Having won their opening two Euro 2024 qualifiers in Group C against Italy and Ukraine, this is a straightforward task against much weaker opposition for Gareth Southgate’s side as they bid to maintain their 100 per cent start.

Malta have lost their last 11 European Championship qualifiers but their first two games in Group C suggest they are improving and are capable of putting some respect on the scoreline.

The Maltese were beaten 2-1 in North Macedonia in their opening assignment and then they lost 2-0 at home to Italy, who had scored both of their goals inside 27 minutes.

That shows they can keep their shape and stay competitive despite their lack of star quality.

Malta’s aim is to limit the damage

In fact, in each of their last 13 internationals, Malta have conceded no more than two goals.

England may be stronger than Malta’s recent opponents but the Three Lions can sometimes struggle to break down teams that sit deep and it has been a long season for most of their squad.

The Manchester City representatives – Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish – only joined up with the England squad on Tuesday after their treble-chasing celebrations so it is uncertain what part they will play.

So while England should win comfortably and are likely to do so with a clean sheet, given Malta have failed to score in nine of their last 11 European qualifiers, it may not be an emphatic victory for the Three Lions.

Southgate’s men have won four of their last five internationals, with each victory featuring three goals or fewer.

When these two sides last met in Malta in World Cup qualifying in 2017, England won 4-0 but took until 53 minutes to find their breakthrough.

Three Lions’ rearguard unlikely to be tested

In the home meeting at Wembley prior to that, England could win only 2-0 and although this current Three Lions outfit may be stronger than that crop, it may be played more like a friendly encounter.

With that in mind, there could be some value in backing England to win in a contest featuring three or fewer goals and 3-0 would be the fancy for correct-score backers.