Gareth Southgate will hope for an improved performance from England against North Macedonia after their disappointing showing against Malta, however this will prove challenging against opponents like Stole Dimitrievski, Visar Musliu and Ezgjan Alioski who boast a quality player roster.
North Macedonia National Football Team vs England National Football Team Lineups: Rico Lewis gets involved but fails to test the goalkeeper with an accurate low shot. Despite showing promising movement, Lewis couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
England XI vs. North Macedonia XI
England will look to rectify their disappointing showing against Malta when they travel to Skopje for their final Euro 2024 qualifier of Group Stage, next Friday evening. Although already assured a top two finish and inclusion in Pot One for next summer’s tournament in Germany, England should aim not to relax following what may be seen as poor showing against minnows on Friday night.
John Stones could make his return after suffering an ankle injury during Malta’s 5-0 mauling, while Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has trained ahead of this game. Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka could all feature as well.
England have never lost to North Macedonia in five previous meetings and boast an excellent record when playing away in European Championship qualifying from 2003-2012, winning eight out of 11 away matches against them from 2003. At home however, North Macedonia remain undefeated against England during qualifying; winning two of four home matches they’ve faced off against them during qualifying.
First half play was cautious as both sides struggled to gain momentum, with England beginning to assert themselves after Rico Lewis accidentally fouled Enis Bardhi while clearing an aerial ball out of their penalty area and resulted in a VAR review and eventual penalty awarded against them, which Enis Bardhi slotted past Jordan Pickford on the rebound.
As the match neared its conclusion, North Macedonia made several substitutions and increased body forward in an attempt to find an equaliser. Nearly succeeded; a shot by Stefan Askovski was well saved by Pickford and remained scoreless.
At the other end, Stones and Maguire kept North Macedonia under control while England struggled to break through their resistance – it wasn’t until the final minute of regular time when they found an opening for attack.
Stones was caught napping by Isnik Alimi who drove into the box and struck an exquisite strike to open proceedings for England. To try and equalise, the Three Lions brought on Kalvin Phillips to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold before trying out Cole Palmer as Ollie Watkins was injured; both attempts proved futile as they settled for a point each.
England XI vs. Malta XI
Gareth Southgate will look to seal top spot in Group C as his team look to cap a successful year of international play with one last match against Ireland on December 5. Already qualified for next summer’s tournament, Southgate and his side will want to leave their campaign with a flourish and leave no stone unturned during 2018.
Malta have not won in the group stage, having fallen to England every time in previous meetings. Their opponents should field an experienced side that includes players with proven themselves at various clubs across Europe.
At Wembley Stadium, a sell-out crowd will watch England try for an important victory that would notch up one last triumphant hurrah before ending 2017 on an upward note.
Rico Lewis will likely make his debut for Southgate as Kieran Trippier is unavailable, while Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker may all receive opportunities as starters. Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling could possibly appear if fit.
Paul Scholes will be commemorated with a pre-match tribute featuring a crowd mosaic and video highlighting his career highlights, while players will wear black armbands in respect for this former England captain.
Last time these sides met at St Mary’s Stadium in November 2004, England came out victorious thanks to goals scored by David Beckham and Steven Gerrard in a 2-2 tie – their inaugural international encounter.
England have made an excellent start to Group C, winning all six of their matches thus far and amassing 19 points, six more than Italy in second. Gareth Southgate must ensure all three points in their final match against North Macedonia to guarantee themselves a spot in Pot 1 for Euro 2024 finals.
England are in complete control and passing the ball around perfectly, quickly moving up the left flank towards Rico Lewis who takes a shot from outside of the box but fails to hit his target.
North Macedonia defender Jani Atanassov tackles Manchester City striker Marcus Rashford inside the penalty area; however, referee Dion Dublin considers this challenge fair.
England remain in control, building their passing game and increasing possession. Luke Shaw attempts to play in a teammate but his pass is cut out by defenders. With time running out, England are awarded a free kick and send it over for Eljif Elmas who heads it just wide of goal.
England XI vs. Italy XI
Gareth Southgate has given Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins an unusual opportunity to represent England in their Euro 2024 qualifying match against North Macedonia at the National Arena Tose Proeski in Skopje, starting at 7.45pm GMT on Monday 20 November and available via Channel 4’s website and app coverage.
The Three Lions are looking to reach Germany next summer as part of the finals, while Blagoja Milevski’s side are trying to avoid relegation from their group. Milevski has led them winlessly through six qualifying matches including Friday’s 5-0 defeat against Italy at Wembley Stadium.
Gareth Southgate made some alterations from his team that lost to Italy, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden returning after missing most of last season. Both will add attacking impetus to England’s frontline alongside Jesse Lingard and Harry Kane.
England’s build up play is impressive and they look to work the ball forward early, however this move breaks down as they lose possession in the center of the park. North Macedonia press further and win a free kick out wide which they try to take advantage of by flooding their box full of players; however this attempt fails as their corner kick is cleared for goalkick instead.
After halftime, the home side continued their strong play in possession, particularly midfield. They eventually won another set piece from their right flank which Enis Bardhi dispatched over Jordan Pickford’s crossbar for another goal.
Agon Elezi and Isnik Alimi come close to testing England’s defence before Agon Elezi is replaced by Milan Ristovski after 65 minutes, adding more strength and physicality while helping defend England’s back four.
Soon enough, England find themselves on the back foot as they concede a free-kick from left of their penalty area, which Nikola Serafimov meets with an overhead header that goes well over the bar.
Gareth Southgate will likely need to make changes quickly as West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen is sidelined with an injury and Kieran Trippier of Newcastle has been dropped due to “personal issues”.
Rico Lewis quickly steps up, heading clear the corner kick for a goal kick. Phil Foden attempts to gain space on the right but his low shot is blocked by one of his opponents.
Visitors were unable to capitalize on this setback and so the first half ended without more clear-cut chances, ending 1-0 for Gareth Southgate’s men. There will be plenty of work for them in the second half.
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