UEFA European Championship 2024 Qualifiers: Lacklustre England Clinch 2-0 Win Against Malta - In Pics

Putting up an uninspired performance against the 171st-ranked Malta, Gareth Southgate’s England secured an underwhelming 2-0 win in Friday’s European Championship 2024 qualifier. England had already qualified for the Euros with two games to spare, but they are seeking a place among the top seeds in Germany by winning Group C in style. Only the top five best performing nations throughout the qualifying campaign will be top seeded in next month’s Euro draw. Unbeaten England have six wins and a draw in the group after Enrico Pepe’s early own goal and Harry Kane’s second half strike settled a drab encounter at Wembley. A victory in their final qualifier in North Macedonia on Monday would achieve England’s top-seeding target, with a point possibly enough depending on other results.

Updated: 18 Nov 2023 9:03 am

Euro 2024: England vs Malta | Photo: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth

England's Harry Kane applauds at the end of the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

Malta's head coach Michele Marcolini greets his players at the end of the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

England's Trent Alexander-Arnold applauds fans at the end of the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

England's Declan Rice celebrates a goal that was later disallowed during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

England's Phil Foden, right, challenges for the ball with Malta's Steve Borg during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

England players celebrate after England's Harry Kane scored his side's second goal during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

Referee Luis Godinho shows a yellow card to England's Harry Kane, second left, during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

England's Phil Foden, right, challenges for the ball with Malta's Yannick Yankam during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

England players celebrate after Malta's Enrico Pepe scored his side's own goal during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.

Malta's Joseph Mbong, left, in action against England's Marcus Rashford during the Euro 2024 group C qualifying soccer match between England and Malta at Wembley stadium in London.