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    Kieran Trippier forced to withdraw from England squad due to ‘personal matter’ and ruled out of North Macedonia clash

    KIERAN TRIPPIER has been forced to pull out the England squad due to a personal matter.The Newcastle star will miss Monday’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia.
    Kieran Trippier will not play against North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate is without a number of key players for England’s final qualification gameCredit: Getty
    His club confirmed the news this morning and said the player is returning home.
    Trippier played the entire 90 minutes in the 2-0 win over Malta on Friday.
    The 33-year-old has 46 England caps to his name.
    His withdrawal could see Kyle Walker or Rico Lewis start in his place at full-back.
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    Trippier is the latest Three Lions ace to withdraw from the squad with Gareth Southgate dealing with a selection dilemma.
    The manager has already seen Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Levi Colwill, James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson pull out in the build-up to the two fixtures.
    It led to Lewis, Cole Palmer and Ezri Konsa earning their first call-ups to the national team.
    England have already booked their place in Euro 2024 and will finish top of Group C.
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    The Three Lions are six points ahead of Italy in second with one game to go.
    It is currently unclear when Trippier will return with Newcastle’s next match coming against Chelsea on Saturday 25.

    They then face a crucial Champions League tie away at PSG three days later.
    Eddie Howe will be hoping that Trippier returns swiftly amid an injury crisis at St James’ Park.
    England stars trained without Kieran Trippier this morningCredit: Getty
    The Three Lions have already secured top spot in Group CCredit: PA More

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    Gareth Southgate issues Euro 2024 warning to crocked England stars with tournament set for rule change

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has told England’s crocks there is no room for Euros passengers.Squads for next year’s finals will return to the usual 23-man size after nations got to take 26 to Euro 2020 and Qatar 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.
    Gareth Southgate admits he will not be able to take risks with squad selection ahead of the EurosCredit: Getty
    England know from bitter experience the cost of taking unfit stars to major tournaments.
    Captain David Beckham went to the 2002 World Cup weeks after breaking a metatarsal.
    The Three Lions lost in the quarter-finals and assistant boss Tord Grip later said Beckham was only  75 per cent fit.
    Wayne Rooney also admitted he should not have gone to the 2006 World Cup after breaking foot bones in the build-up.
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    He tore his groin in training but  battled on until he was sent off for fouling Ricardo Carvalho in a last-eight loss to Portugal.
    Questions were even asked about current skipper Harry Kane and his ankles following a couple of sluggish performances at the start of Euro 2020.
    Southgate says the return to 23-man squads means he will be able to take fewer risks with the party he takes to Germany, putting many players on alert.
    The Three Lions manager  said: “Those who play more than one position are helpful.
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    “But players who are physically vulnerable, we will have to think very carefully about.
    “I wouldn’t say all 23 have to be fit to get on the plane but we can take far fewer gambles than we could for the last two tournaments, where it was 26.”
    That should ring  alarm bells with players like Reece James.
    The Chelsea captain decided he was not ready to return to England duty this month after his own injury problems.
    But with Kieran Trippier able to play both full-back positions and Trent Alexander-Arnold offering a midfield option, James could miss out.
    Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell will also be concerned.
    If Manchester United’s Luke Shaw recovers from his own long-term problems, he will be first-choice left-back and there might not be room for another specialist in that position.
    Tottenham’s James Maddison went to Qatar despite carrying a knee problem and ended up not playing a minute.
    Despite fine form, Maddison’s new ankle knock may put him in the “physically vulnerable” category.
    Arsenal and England fans are also concerned about Bukayo Saka because he keeps playing despite picking up niggles and being roughed up by opponents.
    On Saka, Southgate said: “He does invite contact at times because he receives well when he’s tightly marked.
    “He is very important to us and  his club and is crucial to them being successful.” More

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    France 14 Gibraltar 0: Mbappe bags hat-trick and Zaire-Emery nets on debut as Les Bleus secure record-breaking rout

    KYLIAN MBAPPE scored a hat-trick in France’s record-breaking 14-0 thrashing of 10-man Gibraltar as Holland, Switzerland and Romania booked their places at Euro 2024 on Saturday.Les Bleus set a new record margin of victory in European qualifying and a national record in a demolition of Gibraltar in Nice.
    Kylian Mbappe netted three goals as France routed Gibraltar in a record 14-0 winCredit: Getty
    Warren Zaire-Emery, 17, netted on his senior debutCredit: Getty
    Ethan Santos’ own goal, Marcus Thuram and 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery on his international debut had already put France in command before Santos’ red card on 18 minutes allowed Didier Deschamps’ men to run amok.
    Mbappe’s penalty made it 4-0 and Jonathan Clauss, Kingsley Coman and Youssouf Fofana all scored before half-time.
    Adrien Rabiot, Coman again and Ousmane Dembele kept the score ticking over before Mbappe struck twice to seal his hat-trick.
    Olivier Giroud then came off the bench to grab the final two goals and ensure the history books were re-written.
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    But the scoreline will raise fresh questions over the need for such clashes between giants and minnows in a congested fixture calendar.
    Just one goal was enough to ensure the Dutch joined France in qualifying from Group B with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
    Wout Weghorst’s powerful drive separated the sides in Amsterdam in what is likely to be Irish boss Stephen Kenny’s final competitive game in charge.
    Romania reached just a second major tournament since 2008 by ending Israel’s chances of automatic qualification with a 2-1 win.
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    Despite being forced to play what should have been a home fixture in Hungary due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel went in front after just two minutes through Eran Zahavi.
    But Romania hit back quickly to level through George Puscas and secured their place in Germany thanks to Ianis Hagi, son of Gheorghe Hagi who inspired the Romanians famous run to the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals.
    Switzerland also qualified despite being held 1-1 at home by Kosovo.
    Romania are now in pole position to win Group I with a draw at home to the Swiss on Tuesday enough to secure top spot.
    Wales’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive European Championship were dealt a huge blow by a 1-1 draw away to Armenia.
    Rob Page’s men began the day with automatic qualification in their own hands.
    But Wales fell behind early on to Lucas Zelarayan’s strike from outside the box in Yerevan.
    Nair Tiknizyan’s own goal brought the visitors level before half-time, but Wales failed to find a winner that leaves them needing Croatia to slip up.
    The World Cup semi-finalists moved into second place in Group D thanks to a 2-0 win in Latvia as Lovro Majer and Andrej Kramaric struck inside the first 16 minutes.
    Wales must beat already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday and hope Croatia fail to beat Armenia at home. More

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    Erling Haaland KNOCKED OUT of Euro 2024 without playing – with Man City ace still yet to qualify for a tournament

    ERLING HAALAND will not be playing at Euro 2024.That’s after Norway were knocked out of qualifying despite not playing until Sunday.
    Erling Haaland and Norway will not be going to Euro 2024 after being dumped out of qualifyingCredit: Getty
    Rangers star Ianis Hagi’s winner for Romania against Israel has made it impossible for Norway to qualifyCredit: AFP
    Israel’s 2-1 defeat to Romania means Norway can no longer make next spring’s playoffs.
    Haaland’s side needed Israel to win in order to keep a qualifying path open.
    But Romania went top of Group I with their win, booking their place at Euro 2024.
    Switzerland also sealed their spot at the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Kosovo.
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    And it means Israel join Group J’s Bosnia as the top two in the Path B playoffs.
    The Norwegians could only have made the playoffs – qualification for which is decided by results in the Nations League – if Israel had qualified automatically for the Euros ahead of Romania.
    Norway’s exit will be hard to swallow for Haaland, with his country still to play Scotland tomorrow evening.
    The Manchester City Treble winner is still yet to qualify for an international tournament despite forging a deserved reputation as the world’s best No9.
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    Haaland had also already announced he was unavailable for the clash after picking up an ankle problem.
    Haaland said: “Unfortunately, I am missing tomorrow’s game against Scotland.
    “Wishing the boys all the best. Now treatment and trying to get back asap.”
    Norway boss Stale Solbakken added: “It’s the movement in his foot that is the problem but it’s not a serious injury.
    “Had it been a final, I don’t know (if he would have been fit to play).
    “All parties agree it is probably a little too early (for him to play) but it is not a career-threatening injury.”
    Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will also miss out on the EurosCredit: Getty More

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    Armenia 1 Wales 1: Welsh hopes of reaching third successive Euros hanging by a thread and now set for huge final match

    WALES’ hopes of reaching the Euros for a third successive time were left hanging by a thread after they again failed to beat Armenia.Rob Page’s Dragons came into the game knowing two wins would guarantee them a place in Germany this summer.
    Wales’ hopes of reaching Euro 2024 hang by a thread after drawing with ArmeniaCredit: PA
    Wales must win their final game and hope Croatia slip up on the wayCredit: PA
    But it looks likely they will have to do it the hard way – via the Nations League play-offs in the spring.
    Their only hope now is to beat Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday – and hope Croatia slip up in one of their final two matches.
    And if Wales do spend June on the beach rather than at the Euros, it will be the two games against Armenia which have cost them. 
    They were embarrassingly beaten at home in the summer and just a point here was not enough in the circumstances.
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    Despite the confidence from October’s win over Croatia, Wales made a slow start and went behind inside five minutes.
    Lucas Zelarayan cut inside and then expertly fired into the bottom corner – kissing the post on its way in.
    It was a lovely strike from the Argentina born midfielder who was also on the mark in his nation’s surprise win in Cardiff in the summer.
    The Dragons came close to an instant response as David Brooks found space in the box but blasted his effort inches over the bar while Kieffer Moore’s flick header was just wide.
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    A rash challenge from Chris Mepham saw him receive a yellow card – which rules him out of Tuesday’s final group game against Turkey.
    The Bournemouth centre back was lucky not to get a second booking minutes later but it was all going wrong for Rob Page’s men.
    They were struggling to create any chances of note in front of a hostile home crowd in Yerevan.  
    Harry Wilson – the hero against the Croats –  saw a curling shot tipped around the post by home keeper Ognjen Cancarevic.
    Page had taken the decision to leave out Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson – opting to keep faith with the team who performed so heroically against Croatia last month.
    But it was hard not to think the pace of the former Nottingham Forest man as well as Dan James could have posed the home side a few more problems.
    It had been a strangely flat half from the Dragons considering how much was at stake.
    Armenia got themselves ahead after just five minutesCredit: EPA
    Wales pulled one back with an own-goal just before half-timeCredit: PA
    However in first half stoppage time, the visitors got a huge slice of good fortune.
    Connor Roberts hurled in a long throw that was aimed for the head of Joe Rodon and the on loan Leeds man went up for it.
    However Nair Tyknizyan got there first and got his header all wrong – sending it past his own keeper
    Even so Wales knew they would have to do much better if they were to go on and win the game.
    Page waited less than five minutes of the second half before deciding it was time to make a change – throwing on Johnson for Brooks.
    Playing off the right, the £45 million ace immediately began posing some questions of his full-back.
    But Armenia were fired up – knowing their own hopes of reaching Germany would still be alive with two wins.
    Rob Page’s men look set to end up in the playoffs, with their fate also in Croatia’s handsCredit: AP
    Wales’ stars will be determined to reach a third straight EurosCredit: PA
    And they were agonisingly close to retaking the lead as Vahan Bichakhchyan dug out a shot that beat Danny Ward but hit the underside of the bar.
    Zelarayan followed up but blazed high over the bar and Wales had a major let off.
    Sub Dan James, who had replaced Wilson on the hour – teed up his namesake Jordan but his low shot was well saved by Cancarevic.
    And full-back Neco Williams, cutting in from the left, fired a long range effort which just cleared the bar.
    The only team a draw suited was Croatia so both teams were pushing for a win.
    Armenia threw everything forward and a shot from Eduard Spertsyan required a great block by Neco Williams to send it over the bar.
    And at the other end Kieffer Moore’s header was saved by Cancarevic – although the keeper made hard work of getting it away.
    Johnson’s cross from the right looked perfect for sub Nathan Broadhead but was sliced over his own bar by a home defender.
    In the dying minutes, Ward made a smart save from Edgar Sevikyan’s shot to at least salvage a point for the visitors.
    It keeps them in second place – but their destiny is now out of their hands. More

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    North Macedonia vs England: Three Lions look to go entire Euro 2024 qualifiers unbeaten – stream FREE, TV, team news

    ENGLAND wrap up their near-immaculate Euro 2024 qualification campaign against North Macedonia – and they have a huge chance to stay unbeaten.An own goal from Enrico Pepe followed by a customary Harry Kane strike was enough to see the Three Lions beat Malta on Friday night.
    Harry Kane bagged another goal for EnglandCredit: Getty
    But it was 90 minutes to forget for Gareth Southgate’s side as their lacklustre performance saw them create few chances in front of goal.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will also be sweating over the fitness of Marcus Rashford as the Red Devil had to be taken off following his unfortunate clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    However, with qualification and top spot sealed, the England gaffer is expected to heavily rotate regardless.
    And any team selected should be able to get the job done against a North Macedonian side who were thrashed 5-2 by Italy on Friday night.
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    Privately, Southgate will be hoping for a particularly rip-roaring display on Monday night to remind fans of what his team is capable of.
    The Three Lions boss admitted after the 2-0 win over Malta that his side had not “hit the heights”.
    And with some fans’ grumblings growing, Southgate will want his side to put an exclamation point on their so-far unbeaten Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
    And North Macedonia could be the perfect opponents to do just that, having been beaten 7-0 by England at Wembley earlier this year.
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    What is their form like?
    England laboured to an underwhelming 2-0 victory over Malta on Friday night, thanks to an Enrico Pepe own goal and Harry Kane strike.
    Prior to that the Three Lions beat Australia 1-0 in a forgettable Wembley friendly last month, before overcoming Italy 3-1 at the same venue.
    North Macedonia, meanwhile, were thwacked 5-2 by the Italians on Friday night.
    Last month they lost 2-0 to Ukraine before beating Armenia 3-1.
    England beat Malta 2-0 on Friday nightCredit: Getty
    North Macedonia were beaten 5-2 in ItalyCredit: Rex
    What is the team news?
    Gareth Southgate had to deal with five withdrawals from his original squad, with James Maddison, Lewis Dunk, Callum Wilson, Levi Colwill and Jude Bellingham all pulling out.
    His injury list has potentially grown since, with Marcus Rashford having come off against Malta following a clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    Kalvin Phillips, meanwhile, had been away from the team dealing with a personal matter – although he was on the bench against Malta.

    Marcus Rashford was forced to come off against MaltaCredit: Rex
    Who will be the star men?
    For England it is hard to look beyond skipper Harry Kane.
    The Bayern Munich striker extended his lead as the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer by netting against Malta on Friday night.
    And while deputy forward Ollie Watkins could probably do with some valuable international minutes, Kane will be hungry for more goals.
    For Macedonia, Jani Atanasov will be the man to watch.
    The midfielder plays his club football in Poland for Cracovia, and memorably scored twice for his country against Italy on Friday night.

    What have the managers said?
    Gareth Southgate was not particularly impressed with his side’s display against Malta, admitting to the BBC: “We didn’t hit the heights we have done this calendar year.
    “If you don’t start games well it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t.
    “We know the level we’ve got should be better, can be better. Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation.
    “So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created, but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel.”
    Coming into the international break, North Macedonia boss Blagoja Milevski was determined for his side not roll over, despite their qualification hopes being over.
    He said: “When you work professionally in football, you always expect success. So the lack of tournament objectives does not change anything for us in the context of the upcoming match.”
    Gareth Southgate expects better from his sideCredit: Getty
    Blagoja Milevski hopes for a positive showing from his sideCredit: Splash
    SunSport prediction
    We expect a comfortable, albeit not particularly memorable victory for the Three Lions.
    SunSport predicts: North Macedonia 0 England 3
    When is North Macedonia vs England?

    England’s final Euro 2024 qualification match against North Macedonia will take place on Monday, November 20.
    It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm GMT
    Tose Proeski Arena is the chosen venue for this Group C clash and it can host approximately 33,011 fans.
    The Three Lions ran riot with a 7-0 scoreline when they faced North Macedonia in an earlier group encounter.

    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    North Macedonia vs England will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
    Coverage is set to commence from 7pm GMT – 45 minutes before kick-off.
    Fans can also head to All 4 to stream the action.
    Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.

    Can I watch it for FREE?
    Yes!
    North Macedonia vs England can be watched for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
    Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
    Defenders: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
    Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Cole Palmer (Manchester City), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
    Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
    What are the latest odds?

    North Macedonia to win 18/1
    Draw 13/2
    England to win 2/13

    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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    Wales can qualify for Euro 2024 without talisman Gareth Bale, says former assistant manager

    GARETH BALE was impossible for Wales to replace.But ex-Dragons assistant boss Kit Symons reckons Robert Page’s new cycle can qualify for Euro 2024 without their superman.
    Kit Symons was part of the Wales backroom staff who reached three major tournament finalsCredit: PA
    Without Bale, Robert Page has guided Wales to the brink of Euro 2024Credit: Getty
    Two Group D wins for Wales, starting today against Armenia in Yerevan before hosting Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday night, will book a fourth major tournament in five attempts.
    Symons was part of the backroom staff for the previous three finals but left his post after last year’s World Cup disappointment in Qatar.
    Wales’ first World Cup since 1958 was also ex-captain Bale’s swansong.
    The Welsh legend hung up his boots on a glittering international career which yielded a record 111 caps and 41 goals for his country.
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    But Symons reckons Page’s Euro dreamers can achieve success and reach the finals in Germany next summer.
    Symons said: “Wales are capable of qualifying. It’s in their own hands. Armenia and Turkey are big games and it’s all to play for.
    “You’d have expected us to beat Armenia at home but we didn’t and got taught a lesson. It was a really bad performance and result.
    “But we can certainly beat them away from home. Can we beat Turkey? We’ve done that before so we can qualify.”
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    Bale’s final Welsh appearance came in the 3-0 group exit defeat to England almost a year ago.
    But Symons, who was also Chris Coleman’s long-standing No2, has been encouraged by Harry Wilson, Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson and David Brooks sharing the attacking load.
    Symons, 52, added: “We have found a different way of playing and being successful.
    “Baleo has left and, while we have good players, there’s no superman to come in and score goals out of nothing for us. 
    “It’s impossible to replace Gareth. He was world-class, a talisman and even if he wasn’t having his best game he’d pop up with a moment of magic.
    “It was incredible what he did for Wales and how he achieved it. It’s got to be a different way now and we have to share out the goals and assists.”
    Page parted ways with Symons after the World Cup, which the ex-Fulham manager describes as a ‘fairytale’ as the Dragons qualified for a first global finals in 64 years.
    Symons said: “I’m really disappointed about how I left because it was a brilliant job that meant a lot to me.
    “But I also feel blessed. I’ve been the assistant manager three times now and been to three major tournaments.
    “I had a brilliant time and was given great opportunities so I don’t have any regrets. 
    “As a player, we had near misses like the Romania game for USA ’94 so to qualify for the World Cup was a fairytale.
    “We got to the tournament and the fairytale came to an end and reality hit home.
    “We played really good sides, some of the players had been injured or weren’t fully match-fit and that took its toll. We couldn’t alter that.
    “There wasn’t much we could have done to achieve different results.
    “You’re on the biggest stage of world football and if you have any frailties or problems they get magnified and blown up.
    “I still think Wales qualifying for a World Cup was a huge and monumental achievement.
    “Of course, everyone was disappointed with the performances, apart from the second half of the USA game.
    “But if you reflect and look at where we were and take into account the factors we were dealing with, it wasn’t that big a surprise.
    “We had a group of players who had been incredible and quite a few of them were coming to the end of the cycle. 
    “Gareth and Joe Allen were so important for Wales and the way we played. When we played well, they were pivotal to it.
    “I’m just really pleased they got a chance to play at a World Cup.
    “Now it’s a different time and the start of another cycle. It will take time.
    “Reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals was incredible but we also lost 6-1 in Serbia with Baleo, Joe, Ashley Williams, the nucleus of the same team.
    “People need to be patient, trust in the process and support what they believe in.” More

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    England ratings: Phil Foden is one bright spark going forward for Three Lions but Gallagher is hooked at half-time

    GARETH SOUTHGATE’S brave lions turned on the flare in the second half after an uninspiring first 45 minutes. England remain unbeaten in their Euro 2024 qualifiers after they breezed past Malta 2-0.
    Conor Gallagher was subbed at half-timeCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane secured the win for the Three LionsCredit: PA
    It was a typically controlled performance from England with a slow first half seeing an early own goal by Malta defender Enrico Pepe be the only difference at the break.
    But after some tactical changes from the waistcoat wearing gaffer his men looked far more lively and added a second goal through Harry Kane.
    Here’s how SunSport rated the players’ performances:
    Jordan Pickford – 6
    Did what he needed to do when he was called upon, but was hardly asked to make a save. Hard to imagine a Southgate side without Pickford barking at his defenders in between the sticks.
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    Kieran Trippier – 6
    Nothing amazing, but nothing terrible from the experienced professional. Started the game at right-back, but was shifted to the left at half time.
    Fikayo Tomori – 5
    The AC Milan man looked like a centre-back playing at left-back… because he was. Hooked at half time for Bukayo Saka to allow a switch that put Trippier at left-back.
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    Fikayo Tomori struggled at left-backCredit: Getty
    Marc Guehi – 7
    The Eagles captain looked cool, calm and collected at the back and helped sweep up any trouble caused by the players in front of him. Southgate may have to look at partnering him alongside John Stones in the future.
    Harry Maguire – 5
    Despite his recent form for the Red Devils, Maguire struggled with the ball at his feet. Made several sloppy passed that allowed Malta to run at the England back line. Looked better in the second half.
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    Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8
    Had to deal with constant bites from the Malta players who couldn’t handle his movement in midfield. He was pulling the strings in the middle of the park for Southgate’s men. Perhaps Jurgen Klopp should think about moving him up.
    Conor Gallagher – 4
    Gave the ball away in the first minute to allow Malta a dangerous chance form the off and never really recovered. Kept putting his teammates in trouble with sloppy passes. Yanked off at the break for Kyle Walker.
    Jordan Henderson – 6
    Pretty passive, but he’s typically a quiet customer. Did his job of moving the ball around well in midfield. Still got some stick from small pockets of the crowd when he was subbed off though.
    Phil Foden – 8
    Shone from the off with his mazy runs and dancing feet. His burst forward led to the own goal that opened the scoring when his cross was turned in by Enrico Pepe. While he was involved in the build up for Kane’s goal too.
    Phil Foden stood out on a pretty slow night of footballCredit: AFP
    Marcus Rashford – 5
    Struggled in the first half with no actual full-back behind him. Subbed off early in the second half after a collision with Alexander-Arnold. Not on fine form with Manchester United and struggling with England too.
    Harry Kane – 7
    Booked for diving, but you can’t hold it against him since he appeared to be blatantly fouled. A typical Harry Kane performance with a poachers goal to boot.
    Harry Kane was booked for diving despite what seemed to be a clear penaltyCredit: Reuters
    The England captain was brought down by Malta shot-stopper Henry BonelloCredit: Getty
    SUBSTITUTES
    Bukayo Saka (HT for Tomori) – 7
    Always scaring defenders when he’s on the wing and did well to put it on a plate for Harry Kane to make it 2-0.
    Kyle Walker (HT for Gallagher) – 6
    Walker’s subsitution allowed England to play with two proper full-backs. The treble-winning star always looks good in an England shirt.
    Declan Rice (60 for Henderson) – 7
    A superb solo goal from the Arsenal man would have topped off an engine like performance if not for VAR. A powerful run was finished off with a curling effort, but the ball glanced the side of an offside Kane.
    Cole Palmer (60 for Rashford) – 5
    Perhaps nervous with it being his debut Palmer wasn’t able to make his mark immediately, but had a few nice moments in added time. He will hope he can have a go again on Monday against North Macedonia.
    Declan Rice saw his stunner ruled out for offsideCredit: Getty
    Cole Palmer made his England debutCredit: AP More