Trent Alexander-Arnold helped England blow minnows Malta away with an outstanding midfield display in Euro 2024 qualification.
The 24-year-old scored in arguably his best performance for Gareth Southgate’s side as they dominated the 90 minutes at Ta’Qali National Stadium in a 4-0 win.
Harry Kane, Callum Wilson and Fernandino Apap’s own goal saw England romp to a perfect three wins from three in their early European qualifying campaign.
The Three Lions now sit top of Group C and next face North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Nizaar Kinsella watched England defeat one of Europe’s lowest-ranked nations...
Jordan Pickford - 6
Barely involved in the match and didn’t make a save. Cut out a long ball and completed all his passes.
Kieran Trippier - 6
Defended well when needed but didn’t create enough when he pushed forward.
Marc Guehi - 8
The Crystal Palace defender is attracting interest from Tottenham this summer and showed exceptional control at both centre-back and left-back in just his second appearance for England.
Harry Maguire - 6
Maguire has played more minutes for England than Manchester United this season but wasn’t tested by Malta. As dominant as you’d expect him to be.
Luke Shaw - 6
Overlapped with Jordan Henderson to act almost as a left winger, helping his side use the full width of the pitch. England’s only left-back was substituted to rest for North Macedonia.
Jordan Henderson - 7
A tidy display on his 76th cap. Hardly misplaced a pass but didn’t get too far forward and allowed others to shine.
Declan Rice - 6
Amid relentless transfer gossip surrounding him, the West Ham captain followed his Europa Conference League success with another mature display. His powerful shot led to Kane’s goal and his England performances generally show his readiness for a move to Arsenal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 9
Wearing the No10 shirt and playing in midfield, the Liverpool man produced a Jude Bellingham-style display, albeit against a weak nation. A 25-yard strike doubled the lead after his chipped ball led to the opener.
James Maddison - 7
Maddison made back-to-back starts for England for the first time but didn’t add a goal or assist. The Tottenham target has impressed Gareth Southgate with his dribbling and work rate.
Harry Kane - 7
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The England captain won and scored a penalty to stretch his lead at the top of England’s goalscoring charts. Missed a big chance when played in by Foden in his final touch of the match midway through the second half.
Bukayo Saka - 7
Saka’s run in behind and cross led to an own goal by Apap. Some concern as he was substituted at half-time due to an ankle knock.
Substitutes
Phil Foden - 7
Came on at half-time and was forced to bounce back from Man City’s treble party earlier than his club colleagues. Surprisingly energetic after his party exertions and he created for his teammates.
Tyrone Mings - 6
Appeared for England for the first time since March 2022, rewarded for his resurgent Aston Villa form. His minutes were, however, simply about him strolling around and making short passes.
Marcus Rashford - 6
His pace and trickery naturally caused problems as he looked to entertain against a lesser opponent. A fun display but England flattened off late on.
Callum Wilson - 7
Sloppy in his brief cameo but was gifted the softest penalty to score. Hardly affected the game in open play leaving the battle to be Kane’s deputy alive.
Eberechi Eze - 6
A heartwarming debut after missing the chance to play for England through injury the last time he was called up. Seemed to enjoy his cameo as the match wore on, a special night.
Unused subs: Walker, Ramsdale, Stones, Phillips, Grealish, Gallagher, Johnstone.
