Ghedin finalises squad selection for England qualifier

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin has finalised his 20-man squad for Friday’s 2018 World Cup Group F qualifier against England at the National Stadium. From the 23-strong squad announced last week, Balzan FC striker Alfred Effiong is suspended for the England game but will rejoin the squad for the qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park on September 4. Defender Michael Johnson, now playing for Balzan, has earned his first senior call-up. Goalkeeper Steve Sultana and striker Lydon Micallef were on the initial list named by Ghedin but the Ħamrun Spartans duo, who are still uncapped, have not been included in the final squad. Captain Michael Mifsud, of Valletta, is the most experienced player in the squad with 125 appearances. In the away match against England, Malta suffered a 2-0 defeat at Wembley Stadium. FINAL SQUADGoalkeepers: Henry Bonello (Valletta FC); Andrew Hogg (Hibernians FC).Defenders: Andrei Agius (Hibernians FC); Steve Borg (Valletta FC); Ryan Camilleri (Valletta FC); Clayton Failla (Hibernians FC); Michael Johnson (Balzan FC); Sam Magri (Ebbsfleet United); Zach Muscat (US Arezzo); Alex Muscat (Sliema Wanderers FC); Joseph Zerafa (Valletta FC).Midfielders: Clyde Borg (Floriana FC); Ryan Fenech (Balzan FC); Paul Fenech (Balzan FC); Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians FC); Luke Gambin (Luton Town); Steve Pisani (Floriana FC).Forwards:  Jean Paul Farrugia (FC Chiasso); Michael Mifsud (Valletta FC); Andrè Schembri (Apollon Limassol).