• Source:JND
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JE Sports Desk:  England strengthened their grip on Euro 2024 qualifying Group C after an away win of 4-0 against Malta with Trent Alexander-Arnold shining on his first international start for a year.

The Liverpool right-back was deployed in midfield and managed to score a goal and was involved in England's other two goals before halftime as England cruised in the Ta' Qali National Stadium.

His promising pass released Bukayo Saka in the eighth minute with his low cross being bundled into his own goal by Malta's Ferdinando Apap under pressure from Harry Kane.

Alexander-Arnold powered home a right-foot shot for England's second in the 28th minute and was also involved in the move two minutes later that ended with Kane being fouled for a penalty that he dispatched for his 56th England goal.

Malta dug in after halftime and were extremely unlucky to concede a fourth goal with a harshly-awarded penalty for handball converted by substitute Callum Wilson after 83 minutes.

England have nine points from three games, with Ukraine, Italy, and North Macedonia all on three points from two games. Meanwhile, Ukraine managed a 3-2 victory over North Macedonia, thanks to an 83rd-minute winner from Viktor Tsygankov.

Talking about Group B, France have maintained their stunning form in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 as they beat Gibraltar 3-0 on Friday to top the group.

The 2018 world champions clinched their third straight win to top the group with nine points, three ahead of Greece whom they will be facing on Monday. Bottom-placed Gibraltar will now be traveling to Ireland, with both teams still looking to earn their first points.

France took the lead inside three minutes as the country's leading scorer Oliver Giroud bagged a Kingsley Coman's cross into the back of the net for his 54th international goal.

Captain Kylian Mbappe doubled the lead from the penalty spot just before halftime and his pass into the six-yard box in the 78th minute led to an own goal from Aymen Mouelhi to make it 3-0.

France will next be taking on Greece who registered a 2-1 victory over Republic of Ireland in their last game. The 2022 world cup finalists are yet to concede a goal having scored eight in three matches they have played so far in the competition.

 

(With Agency Inputs)