England vs Malta – FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Preview

Posted on October 8, 2016 by Sreya

England vs Malta – England host Malta at the New Wembley in London on 8th October in their second Group F match of the UEFA nations’ 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. England have had a rough time in the international circuit in the last few months – getting knocked out by Iceland in the 2016 European Championship which led to the departure of Roy Hodgson, followed by the sacking of Sam Allardyce due to corruption allegations.

England won their first game of the 1st round of the qualifiers last month against Slovakia. Having been drawn into an easy group alongside Scotland, Slovenia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Malta, the Three Lions are expected to progress with ease. Malta lost the opening fixture of their campaign with a 5-1 scoreline against Scotland.

Team News

England will be without Phil Jagielka, Adam Lallana, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Danny Drinkwater and Nathaniel Clyne, all of whom are sidelined through injuries. Gary Cahill, who missed training due to illness, is likely to be a part of the matchday squad.

Jonathan Caruana and Luke Gambin is suspended for Malta.

England Possible Starting Lineup: Joe Hart, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Gary Cahill, Ryan Bertrand, Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Marcus Rashford.

Malta Possible Starting Lineup: Andrew Hogg, Ryan Scicluna, Steve Borg, Ryan Cammilleri, Andrei Agius, Joseph Zerafa, Rowen Muscat, Bjorn Kristensen, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech, Alfred Effiong.

“I keep hearing keep what English players can’t do, but I’ve seen what they can do. I want them to go and show it. I expect us to control the game. My pride in leading the team is echoed by the players’ desire to do well. It has shone through how much they want to make the country proud. I believe over the next few years they will.”

– Gareth Southgate, England.

Contributor’s Pick

According to England vs Malta H2H stats, the only previous match between these two sides resulted in a win for England. The English side is expected to win 3-0 tonight.