England coach Gareth Southgate admits they weren't at their best for Friday's Euro qualifying win against Malta.

England won 2-0 thanks to an own goal and a Harry Kane tap-in.

Southgate later said, "If you don't start games well it's very difficult to pick it up and we didn't. We know the level we've got should be better, can be better.

"Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it's almost a self-regulation.

"We didn't hit the heights that we have done this calendar year.

"So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel and clearly it's possible we could have had three or four with the decisions as well but we didn't create enough clear chances to deserve that anyway."

He continued, "We've asked people to fill roles that aren't their usual position, like Fikayo, and it's not easy for him to build down that side.

"We've got problems with availability in that area of the pitch and you are trying to give some players a rest. We have a lot of players that weren't in there tonight.

"I thought Trent [Alexander-Arnold], Phil [Foden] and Marc Guehi were good and Cole Palmer coming on for his debut had a good impact. There are positives but we know we were not where we want to be and can be."