UEFA Euro qualifiers: Harry Kane extends scoring record as England thrash Malta 4-0

Harry Kane scored a record-extending 56th goal for England as they beat Malta 4–0 in European Championship qualifying. The striker became England’s highest leading scorer in March when he overtook Wayne Rooney’s total of 53, his 50th in competitive games, and Gareth Southgate’s side maintained their 100% start for Euro 2024 qualifying.

Kane scored from the penalty spot in the 31st minute to give England a 3–0 halftime lead at the Ta’Qali National Stadium, following a Ferdinando Appa own goal and a superb strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Callum Wilson converted his second penalty of the game to round out the scoring.

England have won their opening three games in Group C, which also includes European champions Italy.

England had always hoped for a comfortable win against the team ranked 172nd in the world and looked to be on course for victory from the eighth minute when Ferdinando Appa headed the ball into his own net with Kane’s threat.

The No. 10 doubled the lead with a classy strike after Alexander-Arnold was tried in a midfield role.

Southgate had said he would deploy the defender in a more advanced position in the absence of Jude Bellingham, who has just completed a move to Real Madrid. Alexander-Arnold collected the ball from 25 yards out and fired a shot past Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello. It was his first competitive goal for his country.

“It’s somewhere I can see myself playing,” Alexander-Arnold said. “I want to make sure I’m on the team sheet regularly and today was a good foundation to build on.”

Kane was brought down in the box by Mathieu Guillaumeier and coolly converted the spot kick. Another penalty was awarded late on after Wilson’s cross hit Steve Borg, and the substitute striker converted.