England vs Malta Tips
England vs Malta preview
Matches between England and Malta have become a staple of international football. Not because of the excitement this pairing brings to the fans but rather because it is always used as a talking point for people who want to put an end to matches between the big footballing countries and the small ones.
In their history, the two teams have faced each other on six occasions and the Three Lions came out victorious each time. On Friday, November 17, England will once again host Malta at Wembley Stadium. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:45 local time.
As for our England vs Malta tips, they will be centred mainly around the former since we have little hope in the small Mediterranean nation.
England preview
Having secured a convincing victory over Italy in October (3-1), the English essentially concluded their tournament. The team is already guaranteed a place in Germany, where they will undoubtedly be one of the main favourites in the continental championship.
Overall, England has had a practically perfect tournament, dropping points only in one match – an away game where Gareth Southgate's team couldn't beat Ukraine (1-1). On their home ground, the English have conceded only one goal, precisely from the Italians in the previous round. It is evident that the likelihood of conceding against Malta is extremely low, let alone losing points. As for the number of goals scored, this question is solely dependent on motivation. With the right mindset, England can replicate their result against North Macedonia (7-0).
Malta preview
One can argue that the Maltese are already considered European underdogs, and they have had the misfortune of a challenging draw. Each of their opponents is significantly stronger than the islanders, including North Macedonia, which was also seen as a clear outsider in Group C. It was against the Macedonians that Malta played its best match in this qualification round — losing only 1-2 in an away game. This goal represents one of the two scored by the Maltese in seven matches (the other goal was scored against Ukraine, 1-3).
England vs Malta odds
Over 3.5 goals
England have already officially qualified for next summer’s Euros so they do not really need the full three points on Friday. Malta – quite the opposite – are officially eliminated so even a miraculous win would mean nothing.
Nevertheless, there are things to look forward to in this match – goals! There were four goals in the last two matches between England and Malta and we expect the same on Friday. Bet365 offers 1.40 odds on over 3.5 goals at Wembley Stadium.
If anything, the match against Malta offers Gareth Southgate the chance to test the substitutes and the new blood. For the upcoming matches, Southgate called up three players with no prior experience for the senior national team. Among them is Cole Palmer who has been in top form since moving to Chelsea.
Over 1.5 goals in first half
Building up on the previous part of our England vs Malta tips, we expect at least two goals in the opening 45 minutes. Ber365’s odds on that happening stand at 1.53.
Since we expect quite a few new names in the starting lineup on Friday, those players will want to prove themselves to the manager in the hope of getting picked for the UEFA Euro 2024. And in football, there is no better way of leaving a lasting impression than by scoring.
Since we’ve already discussed the previous head-to-head matches, England scored three goals in the first half against Malta back in June. Back then, the Mediterraneans had at least some hope of qualification but at Wembley Stadium, they will have nothing to fight for.
Under 10 corners
Another common feature of games like these is the low number of corner kicks which,at first glance, may seem counterintuitive. However, there is a simple explanation for it.
When one team controls the ball for the majority of the game, especially against much weaker opposition, there is little incentive from them to shoot from every position imaginable. Instead, they look to improve the positioning and then convert those chances. And when the team is already three or four goals up, there are little incentives to attack as intensely.
To confirm it with stats, there were three and six corner kicks respectively in the previous two matches between England and Malta. Bet365 offers 2.00 odds on under 10 corner kicks on Friday.
Please remember to always gamble responsibly. Our England vs Malta tips are mere suggestions, not a call to action. Always rely on your own judgement in the end.