Player Ratings: England scrape narrow victory over Malta with lackluster performance

England's performance was less than satisfactory during their 2-0 victory over Malta in the Euro 2024 qualifying match on Friday night.

Despite having already confirmed their position in the finals next summer and with Malta out of the running, England did not rise to the occasion, treating the match as a non-issue.

Gareth Southgate, England's manager, likely was not impressed with his team's performance at Wembley, as they struggled to fend off Malta and failed to create ample opportunities.

Malta nearly took the lead 30 seconds into the match when Matthew Guillaumier stole the ball from Conor Gallagher and passed it onto Teddy Teuma. Teuma's curling shot, however, whizzed past the far goal post.

England's initial offensive move led to the game's first goal eight minutes in. Marc Guehi skillfully passed to Phil Foden, whose low cross deflected off of centre-back Enrico Pepe and goalkeeper Henry Bonello's fingertips into the goal.

England nearly let Malta equalize when Harry Maguire lost the ball to Guillaumier, going on to set up Paul Mbong in midfield, but his shot was too high, thus sparing England.

England appealed for a penalty when Kane was tackled by Bonello, but the referee cautioned him with a yellow card for diving instead - a controversial decision that remained, even following a VAR check.

At the 39-minute mark, England took their very first shot of the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold's effort missing high above the bar, causing frustrations amongst the home fans.

Post-half-time, Marcus Rashford missed a chance to extend England's lead after receiving a long ball from Alexander-Arnold. Rashford was guided away from goal in the Malta box, squandering the opportunity.

Alexander-Arnold was also responsible for the match's first on target shot - a half-volley in the 64th minute that ended up promptly in Bonello's grasp.

With 15 minutes left, England secured their second goal when Kyle Walker and Foden executed a short pass to Bukayo Saka, who assisted Kane's close-range goal.

Immediately after resuming play, England believed they had scored another, but Declan Rice's goal was disallowed when Kane was found offside, obstructing Bonello's view.