In a clash that was more subdued than the roar of Wembley Stadium’s crowd, England secured a 2-0 win against Malta in the Euro 2024 qualifier. However, despite the victory, manager Gareth Southgate expressed his discontent with the performance, highlighting that his team is “not where we need to be.”
The Three Lions entered the match as heavy favorites, having won all five of their previous encounters with Malta. Enrico Pepe’s unfortunate own goal and Harry Kane’s 62nd-minute strike sealed the victory for England. Still, it was clear that something was amiss in their gameplay.
“We didn’t hit the heights we have done this calendar year,” Southgate candidly admitted. Despite topping Group C with six wins out of seven games, this particular performance fell short of expectations.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Southgate pointed out the sluggish start that hampered England’s performance. “If you don’t start games well, it’s very difficult to pick it up, and we didn’t,” he stated, emphasizing the need for improvement.
Southgate, himself a former player, was empathetic towards his team’s situation. “Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation,” he explained. The grind of constant matches can sometimes lead to less-than-stellar performances, and Southgate acknowledged this reality.
Captain Harry Kane, who extended his record England goal tally with a well-taken strike, shared his thoughts on the match. “It was not our finest performance,” Kane conceded, “but sometimes you play a team who have got more quality than people think.”
Kane also noted the team’s slow start, acknowledging that they were “sloppy” initially. However, he highlighted the improved performance in the second half and the creation of chances as positive signs.
With England having already secured their place in Euro 2024, Southgate emphasized the need for players to step up, especially considering the injuries in the squad. He praised the performances of certain players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, and Marc Guehi, while also mentioning Cole Palmer’s impactful debut.
Despite the lackluster performance, England remains in a strong position. A single point from their upcoming match against North Macedonia will guarantee a seeded position for Euro 2024.
In the end, while this match may not go down as a classic in the annals of English football history, it serves as a reminder that even the best teams can have off-days. As for the Three Lions, they’ll be looking to roar louder in the matches to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England’s Euro 2024 Performance
Q: What was the final score of the England vs. Malta match in the Euro 2024 qualifier?
A: The final score of the England vs. Malta match was 2-0 in favor of England.
Q: Who scored the goals for England in the match?
A: Enrico Pepe scored an own goal, and Harry Kane scored the second goal for England in the 62nd minute.
Q: Did England’s victory secure their qualification for Euro 2024?
A: Yes, England had already qualified for Euro 2024 before this match. They needed just a point from their next game against North Macedonia to secure a seeded position in the tournament.
Q: Why did Gareth Southgate express dissatisfaction with the performance despite the win?
A: Southgate was not pleased with the performance because he felt that England didn’t reach the level of play they had demonstrated earlier in the year. He attributed some of the issues to mental fatigue and the challenge of constantly playing matches.
Q: What did Harry Kane say about the match and England’s performance?
A: Harry Kane acknowledged that it was not England’s finest performance and mentioned that they initially struggled to find the right tempo. However, he noted that they improved in the second half and created more chances. He also highlighted that the team was dealing with injuries and that some players had to step up.
Q: How did Gareth Southgate assess the overall performance of the team?
A: Southgate mentioned that there were positives, such as the performances of certain players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Marc Guehi, and Cole Palmer. However, he reiterated that the team was not at the level they aspired to be and emphasized the need for improvement.
More about England’s Euro 2024 Performance
- BBC Sport: England 2-0 Malta: Gareth Southgate left frustrated by performance at Wembley
- BBC Sport: England have won all five of their matches against Malta
- BBC Sport: Harry Kane thought he had earned a penalty in the first half
- BBC Sport: England had qualified with two games to spare
- BBC Sport: England needs just a point from Monday’s match against North Macedonia
3 comments
so like, england won but southgate’s not super happy. gruelling skedule, i get it. kane got a goal tho. go three lions!
football’s got its ups and downs, just like the movies. kane knows it’s not their best, but they won. hoping for more action next time!
football and tech have similarities. sometimes you have an off day. but with some adjustments, england can be back at their best! #TechAndFootball