Harry Kane’s late goal secures a 2-0 victory, while other teams battle for crucial points in their groups

England maintained their unbeaten run in the Euro 2024 qualifiers with a 2-0 victory against Malta, extending their dominance in Group C. The match, held at Wembley, saw the Three Lions take the lead in the eighth minute after Malta’s Enrico Pepe inadvertently scored an own goal.

Despite high expectations from the crowd, it wasn’t until the 75th minute that England doubled their lead when Harry Kane found the net from close range, ensuring the win.

Elsewhere, Italy kept their Euro 2024 hopes alive with a thrilling 5-2 victory over North Macedonia. Matteo Darmian opened the scoring for Italy, and Federico Chiesa’s brace before half-time gave them a commanding lead. North Macedonia mounted a second-half comeback through Jani Atanasov’s double, narrowing the gap to just one. However, Italy sealed the victory with a late strike from Giacomo Raspadori and a fifth goal by Stephan El Shaarawy.

In Group E, Albania secured qualification despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Moldova. Albania took the lead in the 25th minute with a penalty from Sokol Cikalleshi, but Moldova equalised through Vladislav Baboglo, ensuring the draw that sent Albania through to Euro 2024.

Czech Republic clung onto second place in Group E with a 1-1 draw against Poland in Warsaw. Jakub Piotrowski gave Poland the lead, but Tomas Soucek’s equaliser in the second half kept the Czechs on course for qualification, while Poland’s hopes were dashed.

In Group H, Denmark confirmed their place in the group stages after a 2-1 win over Slovenia. Joakim Maehle put Denmark ahead, but Slovenia equalised through Erik Janza. Thomas Delaney then scored the decisive goal, securing Denmark’s progression.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan boosted their qualification chances with a 3-1 victory over San Marino. Islam Chesnokov scored a brace for Kazakhstan, while Simone Franciosi briefly gave San Marino hope with a goal. However, Kazakhstan regained their two-goal advantage thanks to a late penalty from Abat Aimbetov.

Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes suffered a blow with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Finland, their seventh loss in the campaign.