Things for Gareth Southgate to ponder

1. Sterling out Rashford in?

Raheem Sterling's early season form for Manchester City has been noteworthy, but his performance in the first half against Malta was all to familiar. The 22-year-old ought to have given England the lead after just two minuted but opted to turn back into traffic when one-on-one with Andrew Hogg in the hosts' goal. Sterling then impressively did nothing else of note in the first half before being hooked at half-time for Rashford who showed planety of verve and effort. England improved after Rashford's introduction, with the United man laying on Harry Kane's second goal in injury time. England's wide options are in a sorry state at the moment, could Rashford provide some hope?

2. Phil Jones now a nailed-on starter?

Jose Mourinho has been full of praise for the former Balckburn man in recent times and his inclusion on Saturday seemed to suggest that he has leapt above John Stones in the national team pecking order for now at least. Prior to the game, Jones had not played at centre-back for England in almost two years. A defender himself, Southgate knows what he is looking for and it appears that injuries permitting, Jones may well be a starter at next summer's World Cup, providing England qualify of course.

3. Kane on the mark

The Tottenham man's double salvo saw him take his tally to 10 goals in 20 games for the national side and five in his last three England games. Kane is now without a doubt England's No 1 striker, though his August hoodoo in the Premier League continues.

4. Who gets the gloves?

It is hard to judge after last night given that Joe Hart had nothing to do, however, public opinion is turning against the West Ham man and Gareth Southgate could soon have a big decision to make, particularly if Hart's club side's woes continue. Jack Butland, Tom Heaton, Jordan Pickford and Fraser Forster are all knocking on the England boss' door, though the former is thought to be the most likely to force his way into the side.