Malta U21 squad finalised ahead of Euro qualifier against Greece

Greek side includes Lionel Messi’s team mate at Inter Miami, Noah Allen

Malta U21 national team coach Davide Mazzotta has finalised his 22-man squad for the upcoming UEFA EURO U21 Qualifier against Greece.

The match will be played on Tuesday at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 7pm).

This fixture marks the first of 10 Group F qualifiers for Malta, who will also face Georgia, Germany, Latvia, and Northern Ireland in their campaign.

Coach Mazzotta had initially named a 27-man provisional squad but has since trimmed it down. Basil Tuma and Alfie Bridgman miss out through injury, while the team is boosted by the return of Jake Azzopardi and Keyon Ewurum.

Azzopardi was sent off in last Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

This qualifying cycle will be the first under Mazzotta’s leadership.

Greece, on their part, have also named their squad for their Malta match with the core of the selection coming from Greek clubs, including two team mates of Malta senior captain Matthew Guillaumier at Panserraikos – goalkeeper Alexandros Tsompanidis and midfielder Viktor Rumyantsev.

In addition, there is also Noah Allen – a US-born defender who is on the books of Inter Miami, team mate of Argentine star Lionel Messi in MLS.

Allen has almost 100 appearances for the David Beckham-owned club and has featured in every match during the recent Club World Cup.

MALTA SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS
Luca Camilleri (Żabbar St Patrick), Karl Sargent (Gżira United).

DEFENDERS
Deacon Abela (Gżira United), Nathan Cross (Birkirkara), Benjamin Hili (Balzan), Finley Ging (Boston United, England), Jake Micallef (Żabbar St Patrick), Jake Vassallo (Mosta), Aiden Zammit (Hibernians), Sven Xerri (Ħamrun Spartans).

MIDFIELDERS
Jake Azzopardi (Valletta), Andy Borg (Gżira United), Lucas Caruana (Hibernians), Antiago De Flavia (Floriana), Jake Grech (Balzan), Lucas Scicluna (Newcastle Jets, Australia).

FORWARDS
Nicholas Agius (Żabbar St Patrick), Ensell Attard (Marsaxlokk), Shaisen Attard (Ħamrun Spartans), Keyon Ewurum (Valletta).