England cruise to 4-0 victory in Malta

TA' QALI, Malta: England tightened their grip on Euro 2024 qualifying Group C courtesy of a 4-0 win away to Malta on Friday (Jun 17) with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold shining on his first international start for a year.

The Liverpool right-back, deployed in a midfield role, scored one and was involved in two other goals before halftime as England cruised in the Ta' Qali National Stadium.

His raking pass released Bukayo Saka in the eighth minute with his low cross being bundled into his own goal by Malta's Ferdinando Apap under pressure from Harry Kane.

Alexander-Arnold powered home a right-foot shot for England's second in the 28th minute and was also involved in the move two minutes later that ended with Kane being tripped for a penalty he dispatched for his 56th England goal.

Malta dug in after halftime and were extremely unlucky to concede a fourth with a ludicrously awarded penalty for handball converted by substitute Callum Wilson after 83 minutes.

England have nine points from three games, with Ukraine, Italy and North Macedonia all on three points from two games.

Manager Gareth Southgate left a clutch of Manchester City treble-winners on the bench after their exploits in Istanbul last Saturday with several players getting the chance to impress.

Alexander-Arnold, who has struggled to hold down a starting place under Southgate, certainly did that in the first half of what was only his 18th cap since making his debut five years ago.

"I enjoyed it. I love playing football and being on the pitch and representing my country," he told Channel 4.

"To play the full 90 minutes, I was happy. After the little break at the end of the season, it was about getting fitness back in my legs. I want to make sure I am regularly on the