England vs Malta: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on and where can I watch it?
A look ahead to Gareth Southgate's first game in charge of the national football side
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With Sam Allardyce now firmly out of the picture, the national side have the opportunity to move on from what has been an embarrassing two weeks for English football. This will be Gareth Southate’s first game in charge of the senior side and under his guidance, England have the perfect opportunity to carve out a new chapter for themselves.
Southgate has been gifted the softest of opponents to ease himself into the job and England are expected to walk away from Wembley on Saturday night with a comfortable victory.
It’s a big game for…
Gareth Southgate. Can the former Middlesbrough manager become England’s reluctant redeemer? Southgate has been thrust into the limelight and is now tasked with the responsibility of steering the English ship as the FA look to find a permanent replacement to Allardyce. As the former coach of England U21s, Saturday’s clash against Malta marks a big moment for the 46-year-old as he steps up to the top job. Should England deliver in their next four matches then the position could become his on a permanent basis.
Best stat…
Malta have never beaten England. The last time they played was in 2000 when England held out for a 2-1 victory.
Player to watch…
Jesse Lingard. The Manchester United youngster has been handed his first start for the national side and will need to reward Southgate for his show of good faith. Despite being tipped to start, Marcus Rashford finds himself on the bench. Southgate may have missed a trick in excluding in-form Rashford from his starting side but Lingard certainly has the capacity to deliver. Can he do so today?
Form guide…
England: WLDWD
Malta: LDLLD
Head-to-head…
Malta 0 England 1 (Peters), UEFA European Championship, February 1971
England 5 (Chivers x2, Lee, Clarke, Lawler) Malta 0, UEFA European Championship, May 1971
Malta 1 (Wright og) England 2 (Keown, Heskey), International friendly, June 2000
Starting XI...
England (4-3-3): Hart; Walker, Stones, Cahill, Bertrand; Henderson, Rooney, Alli; Walcott, Sturridge, Lingard.
Malta (4-4-1-1): Hogg; Camilleri, Borg, Zerafa, Agius; Failla, Fenech, Sciberras, Scicluna; Schembri; Effiong.
Vital information…
Kick-off: Saturday 8 October, Wembley, 5.00pm
TV: ITV 1 – build-up starts at 4.30pm
Odds...
England win - 1/50
Draw - 49/2
Malta win - 55/1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments