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    England player ratings: Raheem Sterling shines but Kyle Walker has game to forget in Euro 2020 win over Croatia

    ENGLAND beat Croatia 1-0 at Wembley to win their opening game of a Euros campaign for the very first time.Many were surprised to see Raheem Sterling picked to start but the matchwinner was the best player on the park while his Manchester City team-mate Kyle Walker has had better games.
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    England beat Croatia 1-0 at Wembley in their Euro 2020 openerCredit: Getty
    Matchwinner Raheem Sterling was SunSport’s man-of-the-matchCredit: Getty
    Kyle Walker was picked to start at right-back but has had better gamesCredit: Reuters
    Phil Foden nearly got the Three Lions off to a perfect start but saw his effort crash back off the post in the fifth minute.
    But neither team could break the deadlock and they went in level at half-time after a cagey first 45.
    But Raheem Sterling sent England fans into dreamland on 57 minutes when he latched on to Kalvin Phillips’ perfectly weighted through ball and poked it past Dominik Livaković.
    England held on for the win and here’s what SunSport’s Duncan Wright thought of the Three Lions’ individual performances.
    JORDAN PICKFORD – 6/10
    Hardly called into action in the opening half, was alert to race out to clear a poor back header from Kieran Trippier. One nervy moment in a potential mix-up with Walker when dealing with a cross, otherwise competent.
    KYLE WALKER – 5
    Unusual errors in control and passing in the first quarter from the experienced right-back, and continued in that vein throughout an erratic first-half. Improved after the break but must do better against the Scots.
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    Sterling put the Three Lions 1-0 up after 57 minutesCredit: The Sun

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    JOHN STONES – 6
    Looked at ease with himself as the senior man in the back line, more than a match when tested for pace by an Ivan Perisic break early in the second-half. Rarely troubled though and will build on the display.
    TYRONE MINGS – 7
    Settled well after nervy displays in both warm-up matches, reading the game well to make a vital tackle on Perisic as he thrust into the box.
    A far better display, when his selection was under scrutiny, when England needed it most.

    KIERAN TRIPPIER – 6
    In at left-back for his reliable defending, but committed himself to allow Šime Vrsaljko in to create opening for Croatia.
    Almost caught out by a sloppy header back to Pickford – solid enough but little by way of attacking threat.
    DECLAN RICE – 7
    Rarely left his station at the anchor of the midfield, often only moving when Luka Modric dropped deep to snap at his heels.
    Biggest test so far in international football and came through it well.
    West Ham star Declan Rice was involved in an enthralling battle with Luka ModricCredit: The Sun
    KALVIN PHILLIPS – 8
    Showed there is more to his game with an excellent volley which nearly resulted in a goal, then held off three opponents at once to the delight of the crowd.
    Brilliant run and pass to set up Sterling for the opener and a fine all-round display.

    PHIL FODEN – 6
    So unlucky to see his fifth minute effort curl onto the base of post but after a bright start he struggled to get on the ball.
    Not the match for the youngster to shine, replaced by Marcus Rashford as Southgate went for pace in final 20 minutes.
    Phil Foden was replaced by Marcus Rashford after 70 minutesCredit: Getty
    Mason Mount played well in his first major tournament matchCredit: Marc Aspland EURO 2020 Newspaper
    MASON MOUNT – 7
    Ability to take ball on half-turn added an extra dimension to early England attacks through midfield.
    Whipped in a peach of a cross from the left which Kane almost turned home, tireless work rate lifted the side.

    RAHEEM STERLING (Man-of-the-match) – 8
    Early dart set up a chance for Foden and his pace in behind scared Croatia to death.
    The most likely to create something for England and timed his run to perfection to open the scoring.
    His inclusion was questioned but he answered his doubters in emphatic style.

    HARRY KANE – 6
    Struggled to get involved in the game after England’s bright early spell.
    Linked up better as the front man in the second-half. Little threat in front of goal, will want to find more space against Scotland.
    Harry Kane was booked before being subbed off with eight minutes to play
    Subs
    MARCUS RASHFORD (replaced Foden on 70mins) – 6
    JUDE BELLINGHAM (replaced Kane on 82mins) – 6
    DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN (replaced Sterling on 57mins) – 6
    CROATIA
    Livakovic 6, Vrsaljiko 6, Vida 7, Caleta-Car 6, Gvardiol 6; Modric 7, Brozovic 5(Vlasic 70, 5), Kovacic 7 (Pasalic 85, 6) ; Kramaric 6 (Brekalo 70, 6), Rebic 6 (Petkovic 78, 6), Perisic 6
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

    Huge crowds of England fans cheers to the Three Lions ahead of Croatia game More

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    Denmark players received psychological help after trauma of watching team-mate Christian Eriksen collapse

    DENMARK players received psychological support following Christian Eriksen’s collpase during Saturday’s match against Finland.The squad was able to speak to the midfielder once he recovered slightly in hospital, and it was Eriksen who encouraged them to resume the match.
    A Finland fan pays tribute to a new Christian Eriksen mural
    Wembley stadium also wished Eriksen well
    Finland clapped their opponents back onto the field before beating them 1-0, but the result will probably not matter to the Danes after what happened to Eriksen.
    And Denmark Sporting Director Peter Moller revealed the players got the chance to express their feelings after the match finished.
    He said: “We had psychological help.
    “We had four people come to our hotel last night. Everybody expressed their feelings and how they saw their situation.
    “Everybody was really pleased that we talked the situation through.
    “This morning we had the same people come to the hotel and players could express their feelings and thoughts with professional help.
    “We really appreciate the help we got from outside.
    “The conversation with Christian had a massive impact on the players. Christian was more concerned about the other players and it was a really big boost for them to see him on the screen. It was a lovely thing.”

    The Denmark players will have to recover quickly as they take on Belgium on Thursday.
    Roberto Martinez’s side beat Russia convincingly on Saturday evening, with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice.
    Defeat against Belgium would put Denmark in a very difficult spot when it comes to qualifying, though Moller will likely only care about the physical and mental wellbeing of his players.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Denmark head coach gets emotional at post-match press conference after Christian Eriksen collapsed More

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    England 1 Croatia 0: Raheem Sterling scores dream winner in Euro 2020 opener to avenge World Cup 2018 heartache

    RAHEEM STERLING ignited England’s Euros campaign with his first goal at a major tournament as Gareth Southgate’s men avenged their World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia.Manchester City winger Sterling – who had played at two World Cups and Euro 2016 without finding the net – clipped home a delicious pass from man-of-the-match Kalvin Phillips.
    Raheem Sterling fired England ahead in the 57th minuteCredit: Getty
    Sterling was played in brilliantly by man of the match Kalvin PhillipsCredit: AFP
    The Manchester City is mobbed after firing England aheadCredit: Getty
    England boss Gareth Southgate was over the moon as the whistle blew on a victorious startCredit: Reuters
    And England are now almost certain to reach the knock-out stage, as well as being red-hot favourites to top Group D and earn a last-16 match at Wembley.
    There had been calls for Sterling to be benched in favour of Jack Grealish but the City man justified his selection in style with a livewire return-to-form display, as well as the crucial goal.
    Phil Foden curled a shot against the inside of the post after just five minutes but just as England were looking frustrated in their attempts to break down the Croats, Sterling struck 12 minutes into the second half.
    In front of a vociferous 21,000 crowd at Wembley, this was an encouraging – if not flawless – performance, which should set up England nicely for a tournament when they will play the majority of their matches on home soil.
    Southgate sprang one major surprise by fielding Kieran Trippier at left-back – with Champions League winner Ben Chilwell not even on the bench.
    Trippier’s set-piece prowess may have swung it for him with neither of England’s other dead-ball specialists, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Ward-Prowse, in the squad.
    There was isolated booing as England’s players took the knee, drowned out by applause and cheers.
    And in the blistering early-afternoon heat, England started with purpose and conviction, snapping at Croatian heels like a pack of dogs.

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    England’s Wags, Wags, left to right, Charlotte Trippier (Kieran Trippier’s wife) , Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford) , Fern Hawkins (Harry Maguire), Annie Kilner (Kyle Walker) and Anouska Santos (Luke Shaw) were ready to support the Three LionsCredit: Instagram
    England fans were just delighted to be back inside a stadium supporting their heroesCredit: Reuters
    Gareth Southgate finally got England a win in their opening game at a Euros tournamentCredit: Getty

    Soon, Sterling burst forward and fed Foden, the 21-year-old with the retro Gazza-style hairdo, curling a shot which looked for all the world as if it was going to start a beer-chucking celebration across the nation, until it came back off the inside of the post.
    From a Mason Mount corner, Phillips volleyed and forced Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic into a sprawling save.
    Phillips epitomised England’s strong start with his ball-winning, passing and positive intent. Some men shrink on the biggest stages, Phillips has grown.
    The Leeds man barged over a defender and crashed a shot which Livakovic saved, yet the referee had already blown for a foul.
    Phil Foden was in agony as he saw a beautiful effort crash back off the post just five minutes inCredit: Rex

    Midway through the half though, the Croats began to dominate possession – Trippier was beaten down the flank but Ivan Perisic made a hash of a decent shooting chance.
    Kyle Walker was struggling with several misplaced passes and Croatia were beginning to look like the savvy old side which defeated Southgate’s men at the World Cup.
    Still Tyrone Mings – who was justifying his controversial selection – sent a long looping pass which released Sterling, who was fouled on edge of box by Duje Caleta-Car – yet Trippier was denied by the wall.
    The start to the second half was scrappy form England – Mateo Kovacic was booked for nobbling Chelsea team-mate Mount and a poor Trippier back-header forced Jordan Pickford into a desperate dash to clear.
    Kalvin Phillips was brilliant in his first appearance in a major tournament for EnglandCredit: The Sun
    Harry Kane had a tough shift up top, but got the applause of the crowd when he was subbedCredit: The Sun
    The crowd were just starting to getting impatient and tetchy – roaring on Jack Grealish as he warmed up – when England scored.
    Walker played a lovely weighted ball down the right for Phillips to turn and play a crafty angled ball for Sterling to clip home, defying a desperate attempt at a tackle from Sime Vrsaljko.
    Sterling has scored just twice in his previous 19 games for club and country, yet here was absolute vindication of Southgate’s decision to stick with him as Wembley exploded with delirium.
    Soon, Foden, Sterling and Mount combined, the Chelsea man picking out Kane at the back stick but he shot wide and the England captain collided with the post, needing treatment.
    Luka Modric was supposed to be Croatia’s dangerman, but he barely got a sniffCredit: The Sun
    After Ante Rebic squandered a good chance for the Croats, Mount won a free-kick and bent it narrowly wide.
    Marcus Rashford was sent on in place of Foden, Sterling skied a shot from a Mings knock-down, but Croatia were moving it about with greater urgency and looking dangerous at times.
    With Kane flagging, Southgate introduced Jude Bellingham to bolster the midfield and the Borussia Dortmund kid soon dispossessed Modric, as England held out.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds More

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    Which Euro 2020 teams are taking the knee during the tournament?

    EURO 2020 is on its way and one new feature of the tournament looks set to be the differing stance teams will take against racism.England have become embroiled in a big row with the players condemning fans who booed them taking the knee against Austria and Romania.
    England will continue taking the knee throughout Euro 2020Credit: PA
    And manager Gareth Southgate said the players are even more determined to take the knee following the booing.
    Here’s what all 24 teams will be doing during the tournament.
    Which teams are taking the knee at Euro 2020?
    England
    England will continue to take the knee during Euro 2020, as they have been since the murder of George Floyd last year.
    The team have stated that they believe the gesture is not a political one and designed simply to show support for racial equality.
    Gareth Southgate said: “I think we have got a situation where some people seem to think it is a political stand that they don’t agree with.
    “That is not the reason the players are doing it. We are supporting each other.”
    Wales
    Wales and France take the knee in a pre-Euro 2020 friendlyCredit: Reuters
    Wales have taken the knee over the past year and will continue to do so.
    Interim manager Rob Page said: “We had a meeting and we all think it’s still important to take the knee.
    “That’s the message we’ve given out. We’re all in it together and there were no issues.”
    Belgium
    Belgium are the only non-British team to announce they will take the knee throughout Euro 2020.
    Romelu Lukaku said of any negative reactions: “I don’t care. I fight for diversity.
    “Not only for the black community, also for the women. Colour, sexuality, faith, it doesn’t matter. Everybody should be respected.”
    Switzerland
    Switzerland did take the knee in their opening Euro 2020 game against Wales.
    It is not known whether they will take the knee in their remaining matches.
    Which teams will not take the knee at Euro 2020?
    Hungary
    Hungary point to the Uefa Respect badge as Ireland take the kneeCredit: Reuters
    The Hungarian FA were the first association to confirm they will not take the knee at Euro 2020.
    In a statement they said they view the knee as a political gesture in defiance of Uefa and Fifa rules.
    It read: “The basic values ​​of the sport are equal opportunities, respect for the teammate and the opponent.
    “Football may have become the most popular sport in the world because it belongs to everyone.
    “The Hungarian national team not only follows the international rules and norms in all cases, but also pays tribute to everyone – be it an opponent, a fan or anyone else.
    “MLSZ has been fighting all forms of hatred for years as part of the ‘Hate is not a track’ campaign.
    “The rules of UEFA and FIFA do not allow politicization on the pitch and in the stadium either, which the MLSZ not only accepts but also agrees with.
    “The national team will not express its condemnation of any form of hatred by kneeling before the matches.”
    During their warm-up game against Ireland, Hungary pointed to the Uefa Respect logo on the sleeves of their shirts while the Irish team took the knee and were booed by a sizeable portion of the 15,000 crowd.
    The Republic of Ireland’s players were booed and jeered by some Hungary fans as they took a knee before kick-off in their friendly in Budapest. pic.twitter.com/15npHfKZcE— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 8, 2021

    Croatia
    England’s first opponents at Euro 2020 did not take the knee.
    An official statement read: “CFF and the players are against any form of discrimination.
    “But the FA provides the players with the right to choose, as the act itself isn’t a part of Croatian culture and heritage.
    “The players chose not to kneel down before the Belgium game, but they’ve taken a respectful stance towards the gesture made by their Belgium colleagues.”
    Italy
    Italy did not take the knee in their opening match against Turkey.
    It is not known whether they will take the knee against Wales.
    Turkey
    Turkey did not take the knee in their opening match against Italy.
    It is not known whether they will take the knee against Wales.
    Denmark
    Denmark did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opener against Finland.
    It is not known whether they will do so when they play Belgium.
    Finland
    Finland did not take the knee in their Euro 2020 opener against Denmark.
    It is not known whether they will do so when they play Belgium.
    Russia
    Russia did not take the knee in their opening game against Belgium.
    The crowd in St Petersburg were also heard booing the Belgian team, who did choose to kneel.
    Holland
    The Netherlands will not take the knee in any of their games, captain Georginio Wijnaldum has said.
    Wijnaldum, who has been taking the knee with Liverpool in Premier League games, commented: “We have talked about that but we decided not to do this.
    “We’re trying to bring attention to the issue in a different way. Actually, only the players who play in England are used to this [kneeling].”

    What are the other teams doing?

    Scotland have made their decision ahead of their opener against Czech Republic
    Scotland stars originally said that would NOT be taking a knee prior to their Euro 2020 matches.
    The Scottish FA have confirmed they will continue to promote an anti-racist message by standing before matches.
    But just a day later, they confirmed that they WILL in their match against England.
    Scotland skipper Andy Robertson said: “It is important we continue to tackle the issue of racism and raise awareness of the need to change people’s mindsets but also their behaviours.
    “Prior to our World Cup qualifiers in March we spoke as a group and felt that taking a stand was the best way for us to show solidarity and also to reinforce the need for meaningful change in society.”

    Austria
    Austria chose to join England in taking the knee in their recent friendly in Middlesbrough.
    It is not known whether they will do so in their Euro 2020 games.
    On the fence

    North Macedonia
    North Macedonia have not declared any position on taking the knee.
    Lean no
    Ukraine
    Ukraine have not announced a position on taking the knee.
    On the fence

    Czech Republic
    Czech Republic refused to take the knee in their game against Wales in March and are highly unlikely to do so at Euro 2020.
    The Czechs decided to point to the Uefa Respect logo in their sleeves on that occasion as a “neutral, apolitical gesture”.
    The players will discuss the gesture again before the Euros.
    However they are thought to be less likely than ever to take the knee after being angered by the ten-game suspension Uefa handed down to defender Ondrej Kudela after he was found to have racially abused Rangers’ Glen Kamara.
    No chance
    Spain
    While some La Liga players have shown solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the Spain team have never taken the knee and their clubs also tend not to.
    Real Madrid did not take the knee against Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City while Villarreal chose not to kneel against Man Utd in the Europa League final.
    When Granada played Man Utd, only Brazil winger Kenedy took the knee.
    Spain have made no statement on taking the knee at Euro 2020.
    Lean no
    Sweden
    Sweden have not taken the knee in their recent friendlies or made any statement on taking it during the tournament.
    On the fence
    Poland
    Poland point to their Uefa Respect badge as England take the kneeCredit: Getty
    Poland are almost certain not to take the knee at Euro 2020 with the gesture being criticised by both their FA president and sections of their support.
    The Poles refused to kneel against England and instead pointed to the Uefa Respect logo on their sleeves.
    Polish FA President Zbigniew Boniek labelled the gesture “populism” that “achieved nothing” and said: “I am absolutely against such actions.
    “Footballers sometimes kneel, and if you asked some of them why they were kneeling, they wouldn’t even know.”
    No chance
    Slovakia
    Slovakia took the knee against Ireland and Scotland last October but were criticised in the Slovakian parliament.
    After this, the country’s FA said the players had only taken the knee because they believed Uefa had instructed them to do so and would no longer perform the gesture.
    Lean no
    Portugal
    Portugal have not taken the knee in their warm-up friendlies though many of their Europe-based players have done so in their domestic leagues.
    They have made no statement on performing the gesture at the Euros.
    On the fence
    France
    France took the knee in their first warm-up friendly against Wales but not in their second one against Bulgaria.
    This would suggest that they will only take the knee during Euro 2020 if the opposition does.
    They have made no statement on what they intend to do during the tournament.
    On the fence
    Germany
    Bundesliga players took the knee after the murder of George Floyd last season.
    However, the national team have not been kneeling in 2021.
    The German team have been vocal in their support of human rights for migrant workers in Qatar.
    On the fence More

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    Watch Raheem Sterling score England’s first goal at Euro 2020 against Croatia sending nation into meltdown

    RAHEEM STERLING sent the nation into meltdown as he scored England’s opening goal in the European Championships. The Manchester City forward was given the nod ahead of in-from Jack Grealish against Croatia at Wembley.
    Raheem Sterling scores against CroatiaCredit: AP
    England fans celebrate Raheem Sterling’s openerCredit: PA

    And he repaid Gareth Southgate’s faith as he put England in front after 57 minutes after a great run from Kalvin Phillips.
    The Leeds midfielder drove with the ball before cutting in and laying it off to Sterling, who expertly slotted home.
    Fans were pictured in jubilation celebrating the goal and were also full of praise online for the Premier League pair.
    One tweeted: “Kalvin Phillips is a baller! Hats off.”
    Another posted: “Kalvin Phillips, take a bow.”
    One wrote: “The Yorkshire Pirlo.”

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    Sterling’s strike proved decisive as England held out for a 1-0 win, avenging their heartbreaking 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia.
    It gives Southgate’s side the perfect start as the Three Lions won their opening Euros match for the first time ever.
    Scotland and Czech Republic follow England tomorrow at Hampden Park.
    England play rivals Scotland afterwards next Friday, before their final group stage match against Czech Republic on Tuesday 22.
    England fans give their thoughts on the team and predict the score ahead of Croatia game More

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    Jesse Lingard wears Declan Rice shirt with PARROT on shoulder in pub as he watches England win Euro 2020 opener

    JESSE LINGARD popped a parrot on his shoulder as he cheered on England from a pub garden.The midfielder did not make Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad despite a stunning end to the season on loan at West Ham.
    Jesse Lingard cheered on England from a pub garden on SundayCredit: Instagram @jesselingard
    But he was all smiles as he enjoyed a day out with friends in glorious sunshine on Sunday afternoon.
    Lingard, 28, donned an England shirt with Declan Rice’s name and number on the back.
    Also wearing a bucket hat and sunglasses, he posed with a parrot on his shoulder for the post to his social media channels.
    He captioned the snap: “COME ON ENGLAND!!”
    A number of happy punters waved at the camera as Lingard’s camera scanned the venue where he took in the Three Lions opener.
    And he went live immediately after Raheem Sterling’s winner, filming the pub garden’s wild celebrations as England got their Euro 2020 campaign underway with a 1-0 win.

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    Rice and Lingard struck up a friendship during the Manchester United man’s time at West Ham.
    When his loan spell ended, England anchor man Rice posted on his Instagram: “This is emotional brother! Absolute pleasure to share the pitch and changing room with you again!
    “You’re going to be missed massively mate.”
    Lingard returned to the Three Lions fold in the spring and had been called up to Southgate’s provisional squad of 33.

    Gareth Southgate announces the England players to compete in Euro 2020 – Jesse Lingard misses out More

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    Watch moment romantic Turkey fan proposes to girlfriend at Euro 2020 opener vs Italy in Rome

    FORGET the football, love was the winner at the Euro 2020 opener between Italy v Turkey.This Turkey fan chose a moment during the game to propose to his girlfriend, while watching from the stands.
    This romantic Turkish couple got engaged during the Euro 2020 opener between Turkey and Italy
    The romantic supporter dropped to one knee in front of his partner to ask for her hand in marriage.
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    He was ably cheered on by fellow fans, who captured the proposal on film, as he slipped a ring on to his shocked missus’ finger.
    The embarrassed female fan held her hands in her face before accepting the sparkler and giving her man a hug.
    A video of the proposal has been shared on Instagram – and has received over 1.5million likes.
    While off the pitch, these two Turks were smiling – on it their team wasn’t.

    The couple shared a hug after the romantic moment
    Caglar Soyuncu and Turkey ended up losing the opener 3-0Credit: Getty

    Calgar Soyuncu an Co couldn’t stop their side falling to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat in their first game.
    An own goal by Merih Demiral set Italy on their way – with goals by Ciro immobile and Lorenzo Insigne adding gloss to the performance.
    But a Turkish humbling wasn’t going to ruin this couple’s special day.
    Euro 2020 matchball delivered by remote controlled car as Italy take on Turkey leaving fans in stitches More

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    Did North Macedonia change its name and is Euro 2020 their first international football tournament?

    NORTH MACEDONIA have made it to a first football finals.After a terrific campaign in the 2018/19 Nations League, the Balkan nation won in Georgia to qualify for Euro 2020.
    North Macedonia fans have enjoyed a brilliant yearCredit: EPA
    Where is North Macedonia?
    FORMERLY part of Yugoslavia, North Macedonia has been independent since September 1991.
    It became a member of the UN two years later – but due to a dispute with Greece over the name ‘Macedonia’ was admitted as the ‘former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’, or FYR Macedonia for short.
    North Macedonia is a land-locked country and shares a border with Greece, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia.
    It’s capital is Skopje, which is home to around 550,000 people as of 2017.
    How long have they had a football team?
    IN March 2018, Macedonia and Greece resolved their long-running dispute on the countries name and agreed on the Republic of North Macedonia.
    This came into effect 11 months later in February 2019, with the transition period used to change passports, licence plates, currency, border signs, and government websites.
    Football is huge in the country and is rivalled only by handball as the most popular sport – and since 1993 they had competed in Fifa and Uefa competition as FYR Macedonia.
    As a result, the first major qualifying tournament that Macedonia participated in as an independent nation were Euro 96 qualifiers.
    They play home games at the Tose Proeski Arena in Skopje and have yet to reach a major tournament.
    The stadium use to be called the Philip II Arena, after the ancient king, who was father to Alexander the Great.
    But it the name was changed to honour late singer Proeski as part of North Macedonia’s agreement with Greece, which said all sites named after Greek historical figures must be renamed.
    The first game they undertook after the name change to North Macedonia was a Euro 2020 qualifying clash against Latvia in March, which ended in a 3-1 win. More