If you’re looking for an England vs Malta prediction that actually makes sense before the Euro 2024 qualifier, here it is: England will win, likely by a big margin, and probably without breaking a sweat. Malta have improved slightly in recent years, but they are still massive underdogs against a Three Lions squad loaded with Premier League and Champions League talent. This isn’t rocket science. But let’s break it down properly so you know what to expect from the match, the key players, and the smart betting angles.
Match Overview and Stakes
England welcome Malta to Wembley Stadium for a Group C Euro 2024 qualifier. Gareth Southgate’s side are chasing automatic qualification, and after a strong start to the campaign, they know that dropping points here would be a shock of historic proportions. Malta, meanwhile, are bottom of the group and have lost most of their competitive matches. Their hopes of reaching the tournament are essentially over, so this is about pride, damage limitation, and testing a few younger players.
From a tactical standpoint, this is a classic “low block vs patient possession” game. Malta will likely sit deep, pack the midfield, and try to frustrate England. England will dominate the ball and look to break through with width, quick passing, and set pieces. The only real question is not whether England will win, but how quickly the first goal comes and how many they can score.
Team News and Lineup Rotation
Gareth Southgate has always treated these “easier” qualifiers as a chance to rotate. Expect to see a mix of established starters and fringe players. Harry Kane remains the focal point of the attack, but players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Marcus Rashford could all feature. Southgate might also give opportunities to the likes of Cole Palmer or Eberechi Eze, especially if the match is comfortable by halftime.
England’s Predicted XI
If Southgate sticks to a familiar 4-2-3-1, we might see Jordan Pickford in goal; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Kieran Trippier at the back; Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield; and Saka, Foden, and Rashford behind Kane. That team alone is miles better than anything Malta can put on the pitch. But rotation could happen, so keep an eye on the official lineup announcement.
Malta’s Danger Men
Malta don’t have stars in the traditional sense, but they have a few experienced players who play club football across Europe. Their captain and all-time top scorer, Jurgen Degabriele, is always a threat with his movement. Midfielder Teddy Teuma, who plays for Reims in France’s Ligue 1, is their most creative player and can cause problems with set pieces and long-range shots. But honestly, Malta will need a perfect defensive performance and a lot of luck to keep this respectable.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
England and Malta have met only seven times before. England have won six of those games, with the only non-win being a 0-0 draw back in 1985. In their last meeting in
