England had to work for the three points, but ultimately had no problems when they won 2-0 against Malta on Friday evening in London.
After almost finding the opener by chance in the eighth minute thanks to an Enrico Pep own goal, Gareth Southgate’s side took their time before claiming their second goal.
As inevitable a goalscorer in an England shirt as he becomes in a Bayern Munich shirt, Harry Kane scored the match winner shortly after Southgate shuffled the pack and introduced substitutes, including Cole Palmer in his Three Lions debut.
Declan Rice thought he had struck a third less than two minutes later but his effort was disallowed after a quick VAR review, but his effort was unnecessary as the heavy favorites performed as expected at home.
Here, Craig Hope takes you through who impressed and who could have done more under the arch at Wembley.
Trent Alexander-Arnold looked like a proven midfielder as he was tested in midfield
Cole Palmer distinguished himself with a senior debut in the second half after his late promotion
But Marcus Rashford was unable to recapture his brilliant international form amid a difficult season at Manchester United.
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ENGLAND (4-3-3)
Jordan Pickford6
An early scare when Teuma shot narrowly wide, but he was a special spectator. Another cap, at least. What he really needed was an armchair.
Kieran Trippier 6.5
Came into the game jaded after an intense run with Newcastle. In that respect this was perfect. He walked through it without much fuss.
Marc Guehi 7
Recovery pace was needed once or twice and this was again an impressive result even taking into account the level of opposition.
Harry Maguire6.5
He hasn’t put a foot wrong and his international place looks as secure as ever, especially if linked with a resurgence in club form.
Fikayo Tomori 5
Hardly an evening to remember. Played out of position at left back, took a big kick before dishing one and receiving a yellow card. His reward? Crocheted during half time.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7.5
Trying is always an option, even if little came from that positivity. Definitely worth continuing in a midfield role. MOTM.
Jordan Henderson6
The usual. Rushed around and saw a lot of ball without doing much with it. Booed before the match and when replaced in the second half. Start to feel like an unnecessary distraction.
Conor Gallagher6
Replaced at half time, but did a good job. A few purposeful rushes forward and gave it their all. But more is needed when it comes to the quality of the final third if he is to stay in the team.
Phil Foden7
Definitely the smartest of the front three and his beautiful first touch and cross scored the opening goal. Nice rest also in the run-up to the second goal.
Harry Kane 6.5
Booked for a dive in the first half when trying to win a penalty and that seemed to sum up a frustrating night until I applied a cute chipped finish to Saka’s square ball.
Marcus Rashford5
So much for Rashford, another player in England colours. This looked like the Manchester United version. Offered very little and did well to last an hour.
Gareth Southgate 6
Phil Foden (left) was the brightest star in England’s front three and had both goals
Fikayo Tomori (right) has more to do before securing his place in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad
subtitles:
Bukayo Saka (on for Gallagher 46) 7
Kyle Walker (on for Tomori 46) 6
Declan Rice (on for Henderson 61) 7
Cole Palmer (on for Rashford 61) 6.5
Malta (3-5-2):
Bonello 6; S-Borg 6, Pepe 5, J-Borg 6; J Mbong 5.5, Yankam 6, Guillaumier 5 (Kristensen 59.5), Teuma 6.5, Camenzuli 6; P Mbong 5 (Jones 59, 5), Reid 6
subtitles: Attard, Shaw, Pisani, Grech, Magri, Overend, Al-Tumi, Nwoko, Muscat, Muscat, Apap
Manager: Michel Marcolini 5