Malta vs England LIVE: Result and reaction from Euro 2024 qualifier after Trent Alexander-Arnold nets stunner

If ever there was a night to try things, it was this, and so it was for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Playing in a role that was more quarterback than that associated with the No 10 on his shirt, the Liverpool star decorated an otherwise drab 4-0 win over Malta with a series of sublime balls. One of those was a brilliant strike to make it 2-0, as Alexander-Arnold at least gave Gareth Southgate something to think about from a game almost everyone else will instantly forget.

There is of course a danger in reading too much into a game as utterly routine as this, but you might say it’s a start. That’s actually been rare enough with Alexander-Arnold for England, since this was remarkably only his 19th appearance.

If these sort of matches have always provoked debate about whether they should even be taking place, such is the extent of the mismatch, the one element of tension is how long it will take the superior side to score. Southgate had direct knowledge of that given it was his last match in this stadium that was one of his most dismal nights with England. A goalless first half led to away fans booing and cries that the team were “sh*t”.

England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold speaking to Channel 4: “I enjoyed it. I love playing football and being on the pitch and representing my country. 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 enjoyed it and I’ll remember that one.

“I think my first touch was a little bit sloppy. I wanted to hit through the ball but I’ve set it outside my body and I just thought ‘go across the keeper’. As soon as I hit it, I knew it was going towards the goal.

“I don’t know. I think potentially [I can play in midfield more]. I haven’t played it too much but it feels comfortable. It feels natural, I will say that. It’s somewhere I can see myself playing. I want to make sure I am regularly on the team sheet and today was a good foundation to build on.

“Hopefully I am one of those players that can be used in a number of positions. I’m not bothered where I play as long as I’m playing. No matter what position I’m playing in, I will give my all and try and win the game.

“Regarding England, the manager has always tried to find a way to get me into the team ands with the quality, of the players who play in those positions, it’s been difficult to find that. I think the role I’ve been playing with club football, it’s a new avenue. It’s still early doors, it’s only one match. But it’s important that when I get the opportunity, I take it.”

90+3 mins: England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign continues with a third straight victory. Malta were outclassed from the very start and England made them pay.

Pushed into a midfield role, Trent Alexander-Arnold was brilliant in the first half and set up the opener before scoring a belter for the second goal.

Harry Kane then won and converted a penalty before half-time and Callum Wilson came off the bench to add a fourth late in the second half.

England’s march to Germany goes on.

90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.

86 mins: Phil Foden fizzes on another corner for England and picks out Callum Wilson in what is probably the best chance they’ve created from these set pieces.

Wilson meets the ball in the air but nods it wide of the target.

83 mins: England have their fourth! The penalty was soft but Callum Wilson slotted it away with ease and class. This result will beefo up England’s goal difference which may come into play later in the campaign.

Malta 0-3 England

82 mins: The referee looks at the replay and points to the spot. Callum Wilson is going to take it.

81 mins: Callum Wilson looks to whip in cross from the right side and strikes Steve Borg on the hand. England appeal for a penalty but the referee waves them away.

VAR gets involved and tells the official to take a look at the pitchside monitor.

As much as Gareth Southgate’s England team have impressed and given the fans some great moments over the years they do tend to fall into stages of ‘boring’ football, especially in games like this one which is a mismatch.