Two goals from English-based players have given Norway a comfortable 2-0 half-time lead over Malta in their Group H Euro 2016 qualifier in Valletta this evening.

Cardiff City playmaker Mats Moller Daehli gave the visitors the lead after 23 minutes and Blackburn Rovers striker Joshua King made it two only a short time later.

Daehli was released into acres of space in the left channel and advanced into the penalty area before dragging a shot in at the near post past Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg for Norway's first goal in four games.

They exposed the same area of the home defence four minutes later as King darted in from the left flank before cutting back onto his right foot to avoid a tackle and thump home his third international goal.

Andre Schembri is one of only three players for the hosts who plays his football outside of Malta and he provided Clayton Failla with their only chance of the half, but the full-back shot wide from 20 yards.

Both teams lost their opening-round qualifier as Norway were bested by Italy and Malta went down to Croatia.