Find out everything you need to know ahead of Gareth Southgate’s first match as interim England manager.
England’s Adam Lallana shoots at goal
When Adam Lallana scored right at the death to give Sam Allardyce a dramatic victory in his first game in charge of England a month ago, not many would have expected the next qualifier to be held with a new man in the dugout.
However, off-field incidents have since accounted for Big Sam, with Gareth Southgate the man being trusted with negotiating the next batch of World Cup qualifiers, starting with the visit of Malta to Wembley on Saturday evening.
England interim manager Gareth Southgate during the press conference
England sit second behind Scotland – who thumped Malta 5-1 in September – in Group F after the opening fixtures, and will be widely expected to still have their 100% record intact following the match this weekend.
Last Meeting
The two nations have met just once before, when England won 2-1 in a friendly in 2000. A Richard Wright own-goal gave the hosts a shock lead, but strikes from Martin Keown and Emile Heskey ensured the Three Lions claimed the victory.
Emile Heskey
Recent Form
England – WDWDLW;
Malta – LDLLDL
Who’s the ref?
Swedish official Stefan Johannesson will be in charge at Wembley. The 44-year-old is a regular on the Europa League circuit and took charge of Southampton’s recent draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel. He has never taken control of an England match before, but did send off Wales defender James Collins in their 2-0 qualifying defeat to Belgium in 2012.
England’s Wayne Rooney in action
What time is kick off?
The game begins at 5pm.
Where can I watch it?
The match is live on ITV1, where coverage begins at 4.30pm. For those without access to a screen, radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5Live.
Odds
England – 1/50
Draw – 20/1
Malta – 50/1
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