Malta vs England: Euro 2024 Qualifying Match Details
Kick-off Time and Venue
The upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying match between Malta and England will take place on Friday, June 16 at 7:45pm local time. The match will be held at the National Stadium in Ta’Qali, Malta.
Television Channel and Live Stream
Viewers in the United Kingdom can catch the live action on Channel 4, a free-to-air television channel. Coverage of the match will start at 7pm, 45 minutes before kick-off. In addition to this, All 4 will provide a live stream service, allowing fans to watch the game on their mobile devices, laptops, game consoles, and more. Highlights of the match will also be made available on YouTube after the game.
Match Odds
The odds, provided by Betfred, for the Malta vs England match are as follows: Malta – 28/1, Draw – 14/1, England – 1/33. Please note that the odds are subject to change and are accurate at the time of writing.
Editorial: England’s Perfect Start
England’s national football team is currently enjoying a perfect start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, having secured victories over Italy and Ukraine in their first two Group C matches. Gareth Southgate’s side will now look to continue their winning streak with a triumph over Malta.
Selection Dilemma for Gareth Southgate
However, Southgate faces a selection dilemma as five key players from Manchester City’s treble-winning squad have only recently joined the England camp due to their club commitments. Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Phil Foden have all been partying and celebrating City’s Champions League success, including a quick trip to Ibiza.
Southgate, while acknowledging their incredible achievement, is uncertain about their readiness to play. The emotional highs experienced by the players, combined with the physical toll of their recent matches, have left the manager with complex decisions to make regarding the starting lineup.
The Unknown Factor and Complicated Decisions
In his comments, Southgate acknowledged the unknown nature of how the players will react and respond to the intense emotions they have been through. With the focus and training of the team being excellent, Southgate’s choice of whom to include and whom to rest becomes paramount.
The manager certainly has a delicate balancing act ahead of him. Ensuring player fitness, managing their high spirits, and maintaining consistency are all considerations that will weigh on Southgate’s mind as he finalizes his squad for the Malta encounter.
Advice for England
Focus and Professionalism
For England to secure their third straight win and maintain their perfect start to the qualifying campaign, it is imperative that the players maintain focus and professionalism. It is understandable that the City players are riding high after their club’s success, but they must now channel that energy and enthusiasm into representing their country.
Teamwork and Adaptability
With the potential inclusion of players who have had limited preparation time, teamwork and adaptability will be crucial. The entire squad must come together as one cohesive unit and support each other on the field. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to varying circumstances will be key in overcoming any challenges posed by a disrupted preparation.
Respecting the Opponent
While Malta may not be considered one of the stronger teams in European football, it is important for England to approach the match with respect and professionalism. Underestimating their opponents would be a mistake and may result in complacency. The England team should give their best effort and treat the match with the necessary seriousness it deserves.
Conclusion
As England prepare to face Malta in their third Euro 2024 qualifying match, the team must navigate the challenges posed by the delayed arrival of Manchester City players. Despite the selection dilemma, the squad will need to stay focused, work together, and treat the match with respect. Only then can England hope to secure another crucial victory in their quest for European glory.
<< photo by Wallace Chuck >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.