There Are Harry Kane And Marcus Rashford, England Just Win Two Goals Against Malta

English players celebrate goals in the Euro 2024 qualifying match against Malta. (Twitter @England)

JAKARTA - England did not compete with the best squad in a 2-0 win over Malta in the Euro 2024 qualifying Group C match at Wembley Stadium, Saturday, November 18 in the morning WIB.

England have qualified for Germany and they only faced Malta's weak team while performing at home. However, manager Gareth Southgate did not fully rotate the players.

Captain Harry Kane started the formality match. Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, who experienced a decline in performance at the club, also had the opportunity to enter the starting line up.

He worked hand in hand with Phil Foden to support Kane who returned to play the centre forward.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains the first choice. In the aftermath, third goalkeeper Sam Johnstone remained on the bench. Pickford was also fortified by main defenders such as Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

This means that the England squad did not change much. But with a strength that almost 'full', they even won only two goals. Even though in the first match at Malta's home, they slaughtered their opponents 4-0.

No matter how many winning goals, the Three Lions won six consecutive wins in the qualifying round. They pocketed 19 points and remained perched at the top of the standings.

In that match, England, which faced opponents who never had complete points in control of the game.

Even their possession ball reaches 80% which shows Malta can only survive the host's offensive game.

Pressure from England since the first minute has made it difficult for Malta to develop the game. As a result, the game had only been running for nine minutes, centre-back Enrico Pepe made an own goal when he threw the ball away.

The quick score 1-0 from England. Only Kane et al then struggled to increase their advantage. Despite mastering the game but not a single chance could be converted into a goal. The score lasted until the end of the first half.

In the second half, England did not lower the tempo of the game. They control the game and midfielder Jordan Henderson becomes the team's motorcycle.

But Southgate then pulled Henderson to replace Declan Rice in the 61st minute.

At the same time, Rashford was pulled to be replaced by Cole Palmer and defender Kyle Walker was replaced by Conor Gallagher. Palmer's entry made him make his debut in the England national team. He became the 60th player to make his British debut under Southgate.

The substitution of the players makes the England team fitter. As a result, their attack also gave a positive result.

In the 75th minute, Kane managed to break into Malta's goal. This Bayern Munich striker welcomed Buyako Saka's assist which made the score change 2-0.

Just one minute later, Rice had already increased England's lead. But the referee stopped the game and reviewed the incident before the goal took place through VAR.

As a result, Kane was declared offside and Rice's goal was canceled. The score did not change because no more goals were created. England also won 2-0 until the end of the match.

England closed the qualifying round by playing an away match against North Macedonia, Tuesday, November 21 in the morning WIB.