Few smiles as Southgate starts England reign with win


Football Soccer Britain - England v Malta - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group F - Wembley Stadium, London, England - 8/10/16 England interim manager Gareth Southgate Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

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.

It took half an hour for the former England defender's selection to break down a stubborn rearguard but thanks to first-half goals from Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli they did go some way to meeting Southgate's demands.

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