Football Bet of the Day: England to batter Malta

Friday’s matches see countries from across Europe try and take another step towards Euro 2024 next summer. England are back in action against Malta, and that is where our Football Bet of the Day for Friday 17 November comes from.

Gareth Southgate’s men return to action at Wembley on Friday night as they host Malta, knowing that a win will secure them top spot in the group. The Three Lions have been in superb form in 2023, and are unbeaten since France beat them in the quarter-final of the 2022 World Cup. 

They’ve beaten Italy home and away and looked impressive throughout the year, smashing seven past North Macedonia at home. Although qualification is now secured, Gareth Southgate will want to see a convincing performance and big home win from his men, as they look to end the year in style.

In the reverse fixture, England came out 4-0 winners, and Malta didn’t manage a single shot at goal, such was the level of domination. We can expect something similar here, although it may be even more one-sided given the Three Lions are playing in front of an expectant home crowd. 

Given England are now priced at 1/80 to win this match by Betfred, there isn’t any value in backing them to win. However, if we apply a hefty handicap we can find value above EVS. In my mind, England will with this game 5 or 6-0, which means the -4 handicap is the best priced at 6/5. 

If you want to push the boat out, the -5 handicap is 12/5, but there’s a chance England will rotate their squad if they get a healthy lead. The likes of Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen should get some minutes and they will want to impress against the minnows, so the goals should come thick and fast. 

Malta shouldn’t pose England any problems at all and so the clean sheet is almost guaranteed. That means the -4 handicap requires England to win by five goals, and 5-0 is a plausible scoreline I’m happy to get behind here. 

Check out our other Euro 2024 Betting Tips here.