Malta 0-4 England: Trent Alexander-Arnold stars as Gareth Southgate’s side keep perfect record in Euro 2024 qualifying

Trent Alexander-Arnold capped a starring role in midfield with a stunning goal as England maintained their 100 per cent record in Euro 2024 qualifying with a convincing 4-0 victory in Malta.

The Liverpool full back was handed the No.10 shirt and asked to operate in a more advanced, central position and it paid dividends for Gareth Southgate after just eight minutes.

Bukayo Saka raced free down the right on to Alexander-Arnold’s sublime long-range pass and crossed low for Ferdinando Apap to bundle into his own net.

Alexander-Arnold then notched his second goal for his country on 28 minutes with a stunning 25-yard strike that curved into the far corner.

Harry Kane made it three just past the half hour when he won and converted a penalty to snare his 56th goal for the Three Lions.

The visitors continued to control the proceedings following the interval and eventually added to their margin of victory when substitute Callum Wilson fired home a penalty eight minutes from time.

The result means England remain top of Group C with three wins from three and six points clear of nearest rivals Ukraine and Italy.

England will now switch focus to the home qualifier with North Macedonia on Monday evening.

Talking point – Job done for England as Trent shines brightly

The debate over Alexander-Arnold’s defensive qualities has roared on for years now and given the depth of talent in that right-back position his place in England’s squad looked to be in further jeopardy following his dip in form for Liverpool last season.

Fortunately, Jurgen Klopp came up with a tactical adjustment that saw the full back pivot into midfield when the Reds were in possession and it was a switch that saw the 24-year-old end the campaign with a flourish.

Southgate had previously tried to harness the youngster’s creative talents in a 45-minute cameo in a midfield role against Andorra two years ago that didn’t reap much reward, but this was far more like it.

Alexander-Arnold’s display will hog much of the headlines but there was a wealth of positives for the England boss to take from the evening, with Marc Guehi – making his second senior international start – impressive in a defence that kept a comfortable clean sheet.

James Maddison looked hungry and assured in an attacking midfield role while Eberechi Eze finally made his Three Lions debut off the bench.

In terms of Euro qualification, it’s looking very good for Southgate and Co and another victory against North Macedonia on Monday would potentially give them the chance to secure a spot in Euro 2024 as early as September.

Player of the match – Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)

The defender-turned midfield maestro came through this latest experiment to include his undoubted talent in the starting XI with flying colours. Bigger tests of his credentials in this position will lie further down the line but a goal, a pre-assist and an excellent all-round display is a fine starting point.

Player Ratings

MALTA: Bonello 7, Attard 7, Borg 7, Apap 6, Guillaumier 6, Mbong 7, Nwoko 7, Teuma 7, Jones 7, Kristensen 6, Muscat 6. Subs: Yankam 6, Muscat 6, Satariano 6, Degabriele 6, Corbolan n/a.

ENGLAND: Pickford 6, Trippier 7, Guehi 7, Maguire 7, Shaw 7, Henderson 7, Rice 7, Maddison 7, Alexander-Arnold 8, Saka 7, Kane 7. Subs: Foden 7, Rashford 7, Mings 7, Wilson 7, Eze 7.

Match Highlights

09’ – GOAL! – Malta 0-1 England. Ferdinando Apap bundles the ball into his own net from Saka’s low cross after Alexander-Arnold had carved the hosts open with a sublime pass from deep.

28’ – GOAL! – Malta 0-2 England. It had to be him. Alexander-Arnold picks up a loose ball 25 yards out and curves a wonderful effort into the far corner.

31’ – GOAL! – Malta 0-3 England. Kane rifles his spot kick down the middle to notch his 50th competitive goal for the Three Lions.

82’ – GOAL! – Malta 0-4 England. Wilson sends the keeper the wrong way with a clinical penalty after the referee awarded the spot kick via a VAR intervention for a hand ball.

Key Stats

• Alexander-Arnold is the first Liverpool player to score from outside the box for England in a competitive international since Steven Gerrard against Moldova in September 2013 in a World Cup qualifier.
• England have had two different players (Harry Kane and Callum Wilson) score a penalty in the same game for the very first time.