European runners-up England maintained their perfect start to the 2024 European Cup qualifiers with an easy 4-0 victory over host Malta on Friday in Group C third round.
Ferdinando opened the gate by mistake in the eighth minute before Trent Alexander-Arnold doubled England’s lead with a fine long-range shot (28).
Captain Harry Kane added a third from the penalty spot (31) before substitute Callum Wilson scored a fourth from the same mark (83).
England extended their lead to 9 points after a great start in the first window last March, defeating Italy, defending champions and Ukraine.
Ukraine pulled back two goals in the first half against their hosts North Macedonia and won 3–2 with three goals in the second, taking their first qualifying win in the second leg.
Three teams were equal on three points: Italy, North Macedonia and Ukraine, while Malta suffered a third defeat, leaving the balance sheet empty.
Italy missed the tour because it was busy with the European Nations League, noting that it lost the semi-final to Spain 1-2 yesterday Thursday.
Source: agencies
