Return to Malta is a reminder of how far Southgate’s England have come | David Hytner

It is hard to overstate the progress made since a listless team, watched by apathetic fans, played in Malta six years ago

When Ryan Bertrand took aim from distance and watched the bounce of his shot deceive the Malta goalkeeper to find the net, the England defender had to feel a surge of elation. It was September 2017 and he had made it 2-0 on 85 minutes in the World Cup qualifier at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium.

Bertrand, then at Southampton, had never previously scored for England at any level. He would not do so again. And yet he did not celebrate. It would have been inappropriate given the prevailing mood among the 3,700 travelling fans. Bertrand simply pulled up his shirt and mopped the sweat from his brow.

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