Malta take a bow against superior English in defeat

QUALIFICATION GROUP 1
24.10.2024, Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali

MALTA…0
ENGLAND…4
(HT 0-1)

Goals:
0-1 Ezenwata 12, 0-2 Ezenwata 53, 0-3 Dowman 68, 0-4 Tyjon 90+3.

Malta kicked off their European U17 Championship qualification campaign with a challenging 4-0 defeat against tournament favorites England. The young Lions showcased their superior skill and depth, ultimately earning a well-deserved victory, though Malta’s players put in a commendable effort to hold back their stylish opponents.

England started the match with 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter, who recently made his debut for Arsenal in an EFL Cup clash against Bolton. The squad featured talents from renowned youth academies, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, West Ham United, and Manchester United, setting the stage for a tough contest for the Maltese side.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Chelsea striker Chizaram Ezenwata found the back of the net from close range. Malta’s defense held strong for a spell, with Andreas Vella clearing a dangerous header from Jun’Ai Byfield off the line shortly after.

Malta makes some inroads although dominated

Despite being dominated for much of the half, Malta sought to make inroads, with Chesterfield’s Gunner Elliott leading the line and supported by Jaylen Zarb. However, England’s control of the match was evident, and they entered halftime with a narrow lead.

The second half saw Malta punished for lapses in defense as Ezenwata added a second goal in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on soft defending. Malta’s captain Jack Camilleri had a promising effort saved by Porter just moments later, but the visitors continued to press.

In the 68th minute, 14-year-old substitute Max Dowman extended England’s lead with a superbly curled shot from the edge of the box, demonstrating the depth of talent within the English ranks.

Malta fought valiantly, creating a few opportunities, with substitute Matteo Paolo Grech coming close in the 76th minute, but his shot went wide. England sealed the match in stoppage time when Igor Tyjon netted the fourth goal, putting the finishing touches on a dominant performance.

As the dust settled, the focus now shifts to the next matches, with Sweden set to face Latvia at the same venue this afternoon, kicking off at 14:30.

Malta Line-Up:
Adam Newell, Drew Miceli, Andreas Vella, Sami Abo Assaf, Emerson Mejlak, Keerin Formosa, Matteas Caruana (Zyas Vella Newell 65), Daniel Pawley (Ethan Brincat Winters 84), Jack Camilleri (Ben Gaerty 84), Jaylen Zarb (Matteo Paolo Grech 58), Gunner Elliott (Scott Camilleri 65).
Coach: Francesco Macri

England Line-Up:
Jack Porter, Jun’ai Byfield (Lew Richards 71), Freddie Simmonds, Malachi Hardy, Bendito Mantato (Andre Dike 79), Chinaza Nwosu, Landon Emenalo, Finlay Gorman, Chizaram Ezenwata (Igor Tyjon 71), Rio Ngumoha (Luca Williams-Barnett 56), Harry Howell (Max Dowman 56).
Coach: Neil Ryan

Referee: Floriana Lata (Albania)