ENGLAND wrap up their near-immaculate Euro 2024 qualification campaign against North Macedonia – and they have a huge chance to stay unbeaten.
An own goal from Enrico Pepe followed by a customary Harry Kane strike was enough to see the Three Lions beat Malta on Friday night.
But it was 90 minutes to forget for Gareth Southgate’s side as their lacklustre performance saw them create few chances in front of goal.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will also be sweating over the fitness of Marcus Rashford as the Red Devil had to be taken off following his unfortunate clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, with qualification and top spot sealed, the England gaffer is expected to heavily rotate regardless.
And any team selected should be able to get the job done against a North Macedonian side who were thrashed 5-2 by Italy on Friday night.
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Privately, Southgate will be hoping for a particularly rip-roaring display on Monday night to remind fans of what his team is capable of.
The Three Lions boss admitted after the 2-0 win over Malta that his side had not “hit the heights”.
And with some fans’ grumblings growing, Southgate will want his side to put an exclamation point on their so-far unbeaten Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
And North Macedonia could be the perfect opponents to do just that, having been beaten 7-0 by England at Wembley earlier this year.
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What is their form like?
England laboured to an underwhelming 2-0 victory over Malta on Friday night, thanks to an Enrico Pepe own goal and Harry Kane strike.
Prior to that the Three Lions beat Australia 1-0 in a forgettable Wembley friendly last month, before overcoming Italy 3-1 at the same venue.
North Macedonia, meanwhile, were thwacked 5-2 by the Italians on Friday night.
Last month they lost 2-0 to Ukraine before beating Armenia 3-1.
What is the team news?
Gareth Southgate had to deal with five withdrawals from his original squad, with James Maddison, Lewis Dunk, Callum Wilson, Levi Colwill and Jude Bellingham all pulling out.
His injury list has potentially grown since, with Marcus Rashford having come off against Malta following a clash with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Kalvin Phillips, meanwhile, had been away from the team dealing with a personal matter – although he was on the bench against Malta.
Who will be the star men?
For England it is hard to look beyond skipper Harry Kane.
The Bayern Munich striker extended his lead as the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer by netting against Malta on Friday night.
And while deputy forward Ollie Watkins could probably do with some valuable international minutes, Kane will be hungry for more goals.
For Macedonia, Jani Atanasov will be the man to watch.
The midfielder plays his club football in Poland for Cracovia, and memorably scored twice for his country against Italy on Friday night.
What have the managers said?
Gareth Southgate was not particularly impressed with his side’s display against Malta, admitting to the BBC: “We didn’t hit the heights we have done this calendar year.
“If you don’t start games well it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t.
“We know the level we’ve got should be better, can be better. Those games that you know you can win at a canter, the number of games these players are playing, it’s almost a self-regulation.
“So not enough quality on the ball, and not enough chances created, but I have been a player and I know exactly how those games feel.”
Coming into the international break, North Macedonia boss Blagoja Milevski was determined for his side not roll over, despite their qualification hopes being over.
He said: “When you work professionally in football, you always expect success. So the lack of tournament objectives does not change anything for us in the context of the upcoming match.”
SunSport prediction
We expect a comfortable, albeit not particularly memorable victory for the Three Lions.
SunSport predicts: North Macedonia 0 England 3
When is North Macedonia vs England?
- England’s final Euro 2024 qualification match against North Macedonia will take place on Monday, November 20.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 7:45pm GMT
- Tose Proeski Arena is the chosen venue for this Group C clash and it can host approximately 33,011 fans.
- The Three Lions ran riot with a 7-0 scoreline when they faced North Macedonia in an earlier group encounter.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- North Macedonia vs England will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
- Coverage is set to commence from 7pm GMT – 45 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also head to All 4 to stream the action.
- Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes!
North Macedonia vs England can be watched for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Cole Palmer (Manchester City), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United) Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
What are the latest odds?
- North Macedonia to win 18/1
- Draw 13/2
- England to win 2/13
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
