The Lions are back
The English national football team is back to play against Malta in a competitive game for the first time in 46 years. Today’s match, which starts at 8.45pm, is part of the qualification phase for the World Cup 2018.
Malta takes on leaders England in a Group F World Cup 2018 qualifier at the Ta’ Qali national Stadium this evening.
Malta coach Pietro Ghedin has been able to call all his top players for this difficult clash though Balzan striker Alfred Effiong is not available due to suspension. However he will be in the squad for next Monday’s match against Scotland in Glasgow.
There is no doubt that England are firm favourites to win the match to collect another three points that will keep them firmly at the top of the group.
After six matches, England lead the Group on 12 points, two ahead of second placed Slovakia and three ahead of Slovenia, third.
The Italian mentor is not expected to make any radical changes, even if the chances of Malta gaining its first point in this Group seem to be very remote.
There are five foreign-based players in Ghedin’s selection, namely Apollon Limassol forward Andrè Schembri, defender Zach Muscat, who is in the books of Italian club US Arezzo, Luke Gambin, the Luton Town winger, defender Sam Magri, now playing for Ebbsfleet United, and FC Chiasso’s Jean Paul Farrugia. Malta had managed a decent 2-0 defeat at Wembley almost a year ago and Ghedin will certainly be hoping that his boys will rise to the occasion again to give the star studded England side a good run for their money.
Malta squad
Goalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Valletta FC); Andrew Hogg (Hibernians FC).
Defenders: Andrei Agius (Hibernians FC); Steve Borg (Valletta FC); Ryan Camilleri (Valletta FC); Clayton Failla (Hibernians FC); Michael Johnson (Balzan FC); Sam Magri (Ebbsfleet United); Zach Muscat (US Arezzo); Alex Muscat (Sliema Wanderers FC); Joseph Zerafa (Valletta FC).
Midfielders: Clyde Borg (Floriana FC); Ryan Fenech (Balzan FC); Paul Fenech (Balzan FC); Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians FC); Luke Gambin (Luton Town); Steve Pisani (Floriana FC).
Forwards: Jean Paul Farrugia (FC Chiasso); Michael Mifsud (Valletta FC); Andrè Schembri (Apollon Limassol).