Gareth Southgate, while acknowledging England's shortcomings in their recent match against Malta, remains unworried about the team's overall readiness for Euro 2024. Despite expectations of a victory against the 171st-ranked Malta, England struggled to assert dominance, securing a 2-0 win with an own goal and a score from Harry Kane. Southgate admitted the team didn't meet the desired standards, citing a slow start and lack of quality ball play.
Reflecting on the performance, Southgate emphasized the difficulty of recovering from a poor start in football. He noted areas for improvement in ball quality, defensive structure, and pressing coordination. However, the manager chose not to overly critique the players, highlighting their exceptional track record. Despite the less-than-ideal performance, England's qualification for Euro 2024 as top seeds seems secure.
Southgate acknowledged the need for better quality in the game but also expressed understanding for the challenges the players faced. He attributed some of the issues to changes in the lineup and acknowledged that the team didn't reach the desired level. Heading into the final Euro 2024 qualification match against North Macedonia, Southgate is focused on preparations for the championship in Germany. Dismissing concerns about complacency, he attributed the performance against Malta to the players' subconscious self-regulation in matches where victory is expected with less effort.
As England looks ahead to Euro 2024, Southgate remains confident in the team's ability to rise to the occasion, recognizing the nuances of player mentality in different matches. The priority is now on the upcoming challenges, with the manager emphasizing the ultimate goal of achieving glory in Germany.
Despite England's subpar performance in their final home match of an unbeaten year, Gareth Southgate found positive aspects to highlight. While acknowledging the team's shortcomings, Southgate praised individual performances, singling out Trent Alexander-Arnold for his excellence in midfield and noting Phil Foden's contributions in opening up opportunities. Marc Guehi received acclaim for delivering another mature performance, showcasing growth as an international footballer.
The match also provided an opportunity for young talent, with Cole Palmer making an appearance and earning praise from Southgate for his comfort in the international environment. The manager expressed satisfaction with the team's ability to secure a win despite the challenges faced during the game.
On the other side, Malta, despite finishing at the bottom of Group C in qualification, showed promise in their performance against the Euro 2020 runners-up. Head coach Michele Marcolini commended his players for their fearless and offensive approach at Wembley. Despite falling behind, Malta reacted well, and Marcolini highlighted their growth during the European qualifiers. The coach expressed pride in the team's efforts against strong opponents like Ukraine and England, emphasizing the need for time to continue their development.
Reflecting on the match, Marcolini expressed regret at not scoring but praised the players for giving their all on the pitch. He stated that making the fans proud was a priority, and he believed the team had showcased their commitment and effort, leaving nothing on the field. As the year concluded with an unbeaten record for England, and Malta displayed signs of improvement, both teams look ahead to future challenges with lessons learned from this encounter.
In conclusion, despite England's below-par performance in their final home match of an unbeaten year, Gareth Southgate found positives to highlight, acknowledging individual excellence and growth in players like Alexander-Arnold, Foden, and Guehi. The inclusion of young talent, particularly Cole Palmer, was a notable aspect of the match, with the manager expressing satisfaction in securing a win despite challenges.
On the other side, Malta, despite finishing at the bottom of Group C, showcased promise in their fearless and offensive approach against strong opponents. Head coach Michele Marcolini praised his players for their efforts, emphasizing their growth during the European qualifiers. While expressing regret at not scoring, Marcolini highlighted the team's commitment to making the fans proud and leaving everything on the pitch.
As the year concluded with an unbeaten record for England and Malta demonstrated improvement, both teams can draw lessons from this encounter as they look ahead to future challenges. The match served as a platform for individual and team development, setting the stage for continued progress and success in the international arena.