Mbappe & Giroud Keep France's Winning Record Alive
17 June, 2023
Gibraltar 0-3 France
France maintained their winning start to the European Championship qualifiers with a 3-0 victory away to Gibraltar.
Didier Deschamps handed recalls to goalkeeper Brice Samba, Wesley Fofana, Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman.
The visitors took the lead after just three minutes when the nation's all-time leading scorer Olivier Giroud opened the scoring after being set up by Kingsley Coman. Didier Deschamps' men had to wait until the 45th minute for the second goal, with Kylian Mbappe converting from the penalty spot. The third goal arrived with 12 minutes left in the second half as Mbappe burst down the flank before sending a cross into the box, but Aymen Mouelhi turned the ball into his own net.
The visitors did push for more goals in the latter stages of the second half, with both Tchouameni and Axel Disasi hitting the crossbar.
Malta 0-4 England
England made it three wins in a row after thrashing Malta 4-0 in a Group C encounter.
Gareth Southgate's charges opened the scoring after eight minutes when Ferdinando Apap turned Bukayo Saka's cross into this own net while trying to clear.
The lead was doubled in the 28th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold collected a pass from James Maddison before rifling the ball into the top corner from just outside the box.
Two minutes later, England were awarded a penalty for Matthew Guillaumier's foul on Harry Kane, who stepped up and clamly slotted home to extend the lead.
There was enough time for England to grab a fourth goal in the 83rd minute with another penalty, although this time second-half substitute Callum Wilson converted from 12 yards out.
The win sees England remain top of Group C with a perfect record ahead of their next qualifier against Ukraine next week.
Source: www.snl24.com