LONDON (Reuters) - Gareth Southgate's plea for England to play with adventure and style was answered only fitfully as his reign as caretaker manager began with a 2-0 win over Malta in a World Cup Group F qualifier on Saturday. Malta packed the defence and England initially lacked ideas, Rooney going closest with a curling shot well-saved at full stretch by London-born keeper Andrew Hogg. SURGING RUNJordan Henderson then crossed deep after 29 minutes and Sturridge's well-placed header found the corner of the net. England made it 2-0 when Henderson's surging run in the 38th minute resulted in the ball falling to Alli who scored at the second attempt. England play their third qualifier in Slovenia on Tuesday.

Source: The Star October 08, 2016 18:22 UTC