Gareth Southgate will not allow his players to become complacent against Malta despite qualifying for next summer’s Euros, even though they already qualified. Last June in Ta’ Qali, they beat them 4-0, so it is likely we see similar results here as well.
Kieran Trippier, Marc Guehi, and Fikayo Tomori should form an expected back three alongside Harry Maguire. At the same time, Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold should complete the front three alongside Marcus Rasford and Phil Foden.
England
Gareth Southgate must have felt some disappointment when Arsenal defender Ben White declined the opportunity to represent England in March’s friendly games, yet was unsurprised by White’s absence from this summer’s Euros squad.
Cole Palmer’s selection for the national team is likely more about allowing him to continue his excellent club form than forcing a square peg into an oval hole. However, that should not diminish its significance for team success.
Pickford
The Three Lions routed Malta 4-0 in their reverse fixture and should enjoy another comfortable win at Wembley. Gareth Southgate could keep things interesting by including recent call-ups Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and Ezri Konsa, who could all make their senior debuts.
Before kick-off, the crowd paid its respects to Sir Bobby Charlton with a minute’s applause.
Trippier
Kieran Trippier could replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right wingback in Gareth Southgate’s proposed England back three. Following Marc Guehi’s suspension, Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa could join John Stones as center-backs.
Granit Xhaka should return after suffering an adductor scare for Switzerland on Friday night, likely starting ahead of Fabian Rieder as midfielder. Switzerland has otherwise kept the same defensive structure intact.
Maguire
Gareth Southgate may be tempted to experiment with his England squad now that their ticket to Euro 2024 is secured. Yet, even an extensively rotated Three Lions side should comfortably have enough quality players for Malta.
Manchester United defender Maguire is working towards making a comeback at next summer’s tournament. After picking up a calf injury during Premier League play this season and only making 29 appearances overall this campaign.
Guehi
Gareth Southgate should find his reformed England side cruising past Malta at Wembley with no difficulty. They easily defeated Malta 4-0 in June’s reverse fixture, and the top spot in Euro 2024 qualifying Group C is virtually assured.
Guehi hails from Grove Park in Lewisham and was part of local club Cray Wanderers before joining Chelsea’s academy. Since joining Chelsea, he has started all four Euro qualifiers for England this season.
Tomori
Milan defender Andrea Pirlo missed their last two matches due to a thigh injury and should return once fully fit.
Dunk could form a partnership with either Maguire or Shaw at center-back. His aerial dominance and ball-playing qualities, learned at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi, make him invaluable assets in one of England’s more uncertain positions; he had seven tackles and five clearances in each of his previous two matches.
Henderson
It has come as a great shock that Henderson has been dropped from England’s squad. Known for his experience and professionalism, many found this move puzzling.
Southgate has shown himself willing to give lesser-known players opportunities, with Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and Ezri Konsa making possible debuts at Wembley. These should not become complacent against Malta, however!
Alexander-Arnold
Gareth Southgate will hope that Trent Alexander-Arnold can play an integral role in his Euro 2024 squad. The Liverpool defender has been impressive this season and helped lead them to winning the Champions League this year.
Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United has also been included in England’s provisional squad, even though he sustained an injury late in their win against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Phillips could still play an instrumental role if selected.
Rice
England will aim to complete their Euro 2024 qualifying group stage without difficulties against Malta at Wembley Stadium on March 8. Floriana forward Kemar Reid could receive his debut call-up, having become a naturalized citizen of Malta in October.
Foden hustles down the left flank and wins a corner, providing an innocuous set piece Bonello collected with ease – keeping England unbeaten at Wembley over their past five home games.
Foden
Foden has quickly established himself in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side under Guardiola, and at 24, appears set to become one of England’s key players at Euro 2024. He will play an integral part for England at that tournament.
Gary Neville thinks midfielder Danny Rose deserves to become one of the world’s biggest superstars, so they should start as first choice on any teamsheet. He made an outstanding showing against Man United during their derby clash and should become the first name on any lineup sheet in the future.
