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      Mark Halsey: North Macedonia penalty vs England shockingly harsh – what on earth was VAR doing getting involved?

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      NORTH MACEDONIA’S first-half penalty against England was a shockingly harsh decision.I was astounded that VAR Michal Ocenas intervened and then Slovakia referee Filip Glova awarded a spot-kick against full-back Rico Lewis.
      North Macedonia were awarded a penalty for a foul on Bojan MiovskiCredit: Channel 4
      The teenage Manchester City debutant, who had his eyes on the ball, had his arms in a natural position as he jumped before heading it away from the hosts’ Bojan Miovski.
      Yes, Lewis caught Miovski with a flailing arm to the face but it was never a penalty. What on earth was Ocenas doing?
      Ref Glova must have seen it in real-time and correctly waved play on because it wasn’t even a foul.
      When he went over to the pitchside monitor, Glova needed to show more mental toughness to back his own call but he didn’t.
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      To compound Lewis’ misery, he was also booked.
      Enis Bardhi scored at the second attempt following the spot-kick but Macedonia should have had an earlier first-half penalty.
      Harry Maguire brought down Elif Elmas and I was surprised Ocenas did not recommend a review for Glova.
      Jack Grealish had a goal ruled out for offside but why did it take three minutes to chalk it off?
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      Harry Maguire was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty earlier in the gameCredit: Channel 4
      The game ended 1-1 after a second-half own goal from Jani Atanasov.
      Fans and former players were baffled with some of the decisions made during the match, particularly the one to award the penalty.
      England icon Gary Lineker tweeted: “It’s not important in the slightest, but that’s the most ridiculous penalty decision.”
      While Chelsea legend John Terry questioned: “Oh my word… How is that a penalty?” More

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      North Macedonia 1-1 England LIVE RESULT: Three Lions go unbeaten in Euro 2024 qualifiers despite lacklustre performance

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      ENGLAND have gone unbeaten in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign after drawing 1-1 away at North Macedonia in their final Group C match.The hosts took a shock lead in the first half as Enis Bardhi slammed home the rebound after his controversial penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford.
      Seconds after Harry Kane was introduced in the second half, the England skipper challenged Jani Atanasov during a Three Lions corner, which resulted in the Macedonian midfielder putting the ball in his own net.
      Attention now turns to the highly anticipated Euro 2024 draw on December 2nd.

      Match result: North Macedonia 1-1 England
      FREE live stream: All 4
      North Macedonia team: Dimitrievski, Manev, Serafimov, Musliu, Dimoski, Bardhi, Atanasov, Alimi, Alioski, Miovski, Elmas
      England team: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Lewis; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Foden; Saka, Watkins, Grealish

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      Thank you for joining our coverage of England’s clash against North Macedonia.
      The Uefa Euro 2024 final tournament draw takes place on December 2. 
      Kane on debutant Lewis
      Harry Kane was also left impressed by England debutant Rico Lewis.
      I thought he was really good with and without the ball.
      A shame for the penalty but he can be proud, I thought he was fantastic.
      He just needs to keep working hard and I’m sure he will be back with us.Harry KaneChannel 4
      Kane ‘proud’ of qualifying campaign
      Despite lacklustre results against Malta and now North Macedonia, Harry Kane has insisted that he is “proud” of England’s unbeaten qualifying campaign.
      Difficult game, we knew it would be and it was tough against a decent side playing on a pitch that’s difficult to play our style of football.
      We went 1-0 behind against the run of play with a soft penalty. It was good to get on the pitch, I’m always trying to help the team whether it is 90 minutes or 10 minutes. It was important for us to get a goal back and a shame we couldn’t get a second.
      I think it was an own goal, pretty sure. If anyone was going to get a second it was us.
      Against Malta we were sloppy on the ball, today we got a bit of a sucker-punch with the counter-attack and a soft penalty. We were playing against a team that people expected us to beat five or six nil, but they did a job on Italy in the World Cup qualifiers to knock them out.
      We can be really proud of how the qualifying campaign has gone.Harry KaneChannel 4
      ‘A great birthday present’ – Lewis
      Rico Lewis was left smiling after making his England debut just hours before his 19th birthday.
      He told Channel 4: “Overall I am very happy. The result was unfortunate and the decision that went against me.
      “I am so happy to have made my debut before my birthday it is a lovely present.”
      Walker on result
      Kyle Walker has claimed that Rico Lewis was on the end of an “unfair” decision.
      He told Channel 4: “It was always going to be tough to come here.
      “We dug in and we got a point. We wanted three but things happen in football that I don’t think are fair.
      “I think Rico got an unfair decision tonight.”
      ‘Lack of options for Southgate’ – Upson
      Matthew Upson has claimed that Gareth Southgate was left with little option but to bring on Harry Kane against North Macedonia.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Gareth Southgate would have been looking at the game at one nil down and thinking ‘I don’t want a loss on our qualifying record’, certainly not in this game.
      “The one obvious switch is Harry Kane. Can you bring him on in another role to accomodate others such as Ollie Watkins for him to have more game time?
      “Well then you would be watering down the effectiveness of the best striker in the world.
      “I don’t think he had much of an option.”
      Credit: Reuters
      More reaction to the penalty call
      Former England players commented on the controversial decision.
      Chelsea legend John Terry wrote: “Oh my word… How is that a penalty?”
      England icon Gary Lineker said: “It’s not important in the slightest, but that’s the most ridiculous penalty decision.”
      While ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher said: “Bizarre these VAR penalties that get given in Europe. What’s more bizarre is they didn’t give the one against Maguire 😂.”
      England player ratings
      Check out our player ratings here.
      Harry Kane scored the highest marks thanks to his instant impact in the match.
      However, Ollie Watkins was the lowest scorer as he struggled to flourish.

      Elsewhere in Group C
      Italy have qualified for Euro 2024 thanks to their record against Ukraine.
      The holders could only manage a 0-0 draw against Ukraine but it is enough to get them on the plane to Germany.
      FT – North Macedonia 1 England 1
      Indeed it was as the referee blows for full time.
      Another uninspiring performance from England, but they made sure to finish as top seeds for the draw for Euro 2024 and unbeaten in qualifying.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      95. Chance for Kane, but he can not get any accuracy on his header as it goes for a goal kick.
      Probably the last chance in the match.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      93. England hurrying North Macedonia along as they try to get the ball back and find the winner.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      90. Marcus Rashford flashes a free-kick wide. Looked better before the replays.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      90. There will be six added minutes, can England find a winner?
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      85. Awkward moment for Pickford as Maguire’s backpass has plenty on it.
      The goalkeeper is able to boot it clear, just about.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      83. Triple change for England, Phillips, Palmer and Rashford are on.
      Grealish, Saka and Alexander-Arnold are off.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      81. England have a free kick in the attacking half after Grealish was fouled.
      Maguire gets on the cross from Foden and heads goalwards, but the whistle is blown for a push.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      77. England struggling to break down the hosts at the moment.
      The frustration almost cost the Three Lions as Guehi tried forcing a ball only for it to get intercepted.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      70. 20 minutes to go and England are looking more likely to get a winner.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      68. Confirmation has come through that the goal has been credited as an own goal by Atanasov.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      66. The hosts are not done yet as they are still looking to hurt England on the break.
      So far Southgate’s men have dealt with them, but they can’t switch off if they want to maintain an unbeaten 2023.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      61. Bit of handbags between Grealish and Elmas after the Englishman was fouled on the edge of the box.
      North Macedonia 1 England 1
      60. England have looked a lot more fluid this half and are putting on pressure as they search for the go-ahead goal.
      GOAL – North Macedonia 1 England 1
      58. GOALLLLLLLLLLL HARRY KANE!
      Kane scores with his first touch of the ball to drag England level.
      North Macedonia 1 England 0
      57. England get a corner after Alexandre-Arnold has a shot deflected.
      Kane comes on before the set-piece for Watkins. More

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      Sweet moment ex-Premier League star gives Cristiano Ronaldo his jacket as fans praise him for ‘keeping the GOAT safe’

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      FORMER Wolves star Rui Patricio kindly gifted his coat to a shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of Portugal’s clash with Iceland.Portugal defeated Iceland 2-0 in the Euro 2024 qualifier with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Ricardo Horta.
      Rui Patricio handed a shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo his coat after the game
      Fans appreciated Patricio’s gesture which helped Ronaldo stay warmCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, 38, started the match and played the full 90 minutes before giving away his shirt at full-time.
      The shirtless superstar then shook hands with his team-mates before substitute goalkeeper Patricio handed him his coat to keep warm.
      Fans loved the exchange and the respect Patricio showed for CR7.
      One reacted saying: “Now that is a legend.”
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      Another added: “Look at the love and respect of Rui Patricio towards Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “This is what today’s young generations are missing in the squad.”
      A third wrote: “One of the most underrated goalkeeper showing love and keeping the GOAT safe.”
      And another commented: “Amazing.”
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      Ronaldo took his total caps to 204 against Iceland, and the superstar has scored a record 128 goals for his country.
      He helped Portugal win all ten of their qualifying games and he is set to feature at the Euros next summer. More

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      Ex-England star names his XI for Euro 2024 with Rashford and Maguire DROPPED – and centre-back without a competitive cap

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      CHRIS SUTTON has named his preferred England line-up for Euro 2024 – and there are some notable absentees.The former Three Lions star wants Gareth Southgate to pick an attacking side with Declan Rice his only defensive midfield pick.
      Chris Sutton does not believe Kalvin Phillips should play at the EurosCredit: PA
      Marcus Rashford was also left out of Sutton’s preferred Three Lions teamCredit: Getty
      Sutton, 50, dismissed an argument for Kalvin Phillips to start because he has barely featured for Manchester City since joining last year.
      The pundit also left out Manchester United star Marcus Rashford amid the forward’s stuttering form.
      Rashford has just one Premier League goal this season so Sutton has opted for Phil Foden instead, with Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane making up his front three.
      Sutton has been more adventurous with his midfield trio – opting for the attacking pair of Jude Bellingham and James Maddison.
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      Explaining his decision to leave out Phillips, Sutton told the It’s All Kicking Off podcast: “I do not, in any way, shape or form, understand this continued argument for Kalvin Phillips.
      “Nothing against Phillips, but how on earth can England go into a major tournament and play somebody who is very unlikely to play for Manchester City, or certainly will not play regular football?
      “England will want to go into a tournament and win a tournament with a guy who hasn’t kicked a ball in the best part of two seasons.
      “That is a risk too big to take for Gareth.”
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      Chris Sutton picked an attacking midfield
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      Sutton also name Lewis Dunk as his choice to partner John Stones despite the fact the Brighton defender has failed to make a competitive appearance for England.
      He also picked Jordan Pickford in goal with Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw full-backs. More

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      How Europe’s fifth WORST team are a game away from qualifying for Euro 2024 despite being ranked 157th in the world

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      THE FIFTH worst team in Europe are just one win away from booking a place at Euro 2024.Despite winning only two of their seven qualification matches, a victory for Moldova tonight will confirm their spot at the tournament in Germany next summer.
      Victory against Czechia tonight would see Moldova qualify for their first international tournamentCredit: EPA
      Moldova are currently fourth in the Group E qualification standings but victory against Czech Republic tonight would launch them above the second placed side and confirm automatic qualification.
      They would join group leaders Albania in Germany, who lead the group on 14 points following a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic last time out.
      Group favourites Poland are already out of the running to qualify having played all eight matches and only gaining 11 points.
      They are currently third in the standings but would fall below Moldova should the Tricolours win to secure a historic qualification.
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      Moldova are two points behind opponent’s Czechia who currently sit on 12 points in second.
      Victory over the Czechs would see them qualify for the first tournament in their history.
      The minnows are currently ranked 157th in the Fifa world rankings.
      Moldova were handed a huge boost ahead of their showdown with Czechia after three of the Czech’s first team players were sent home from the squad in disgrace this weekend.
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      West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal was booted out alongside Jakub Brabec and Jan Kuchta for “seriously breaking team rules”.
      The players were meant to be resting for tonight’s match but less than 48 hours before kick-off the trio were reportedly out partying late into the night.
      Qualification would represent a massive achievement for Moldova who only played their first professional international match in 1991 following the break up of the Soviet Union.
      With the exception of the 2008 Euro qualifiers, Moldova have finished last or second-bottom in their group in all qualifying campaigns they have entered so far, dating all the way back to the Euro 1996 qualifiers. More

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      Premier League clubs ‘fear for England stars playing on North Macedonia’s ‘dangerous’ pitch’ after surface was BANNED

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are concerned their England players will return from the international break injured after playing on a “dangerous” pitch, it’s claimed.The Three Lions face North Macedonia tonight in their final Euro 2024 qualifier.
      The pitch at the Tose Proeski Arena was relaid just six weeks agoCredit: PA
      England have already booked their place at the major tournament and will finish top of Group C.
      Ahead of the game, there is concern the pitch at the Tose Proeski Arena will cause injuries.
      The surface was relaid just six weeks ago after the old turf was banned by Uefa.
      Reports suggest that Premier League bosses will be watching tonight’s match from behind the sofas amid fears that the new pitch isn’t ready yet.
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      The Telegraph claim the grass is “rock-solid” and teams have been told there are certain parts of the turf they should not warm-up on.
      On the pitch, England manager Gareth Southgate said: “I know they’ve relaid it. I would imagine it hasn’t quite knitted, but we’ll see.
      “That’s why you want to make sure you’re qualified well in advance.
      “We said that right at the start of the qualifying campaign, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get away from home.”
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      Italy played North Macedonia in September in Skopje and the game ended 1-1 with players from both nation’s slamming the surface.
      Ciro Immobile said: “Playing on a pitch like this could be dangerous. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but on this field it becomes even tougher.”
      Eljif Elmas added: “We played on a frankly shameful pitch. I can only apologise to all Italians, to all of Europe. You cannot play football on a pitch like this. It was a problem for us just as much as it was for Italy.”
      Several England players have already pulled out of the squad, most recently Jarrod Bowen with a knee issue and Kieran Trippier for personal reasons.
      Jude Bellingham, Levi Colwill, James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson all withdrew before Friday’s 2-0 win over Malta. More

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      Marcus Rashford smiles in training in injury boost for Man Utd as England stars prepare for final Euro 2024 qualifier

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      MARCUS RASHFORD was all smiles in England training amid fears he was going to be sidelined with injury.The Manchester United star was subbed off for Cole Palmer after 61 minutes during Friday’s 2-0 win over Malta.
      Marcus Rashford trained ahead of the clash with North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      England play their final qualifier tomorrowCredit: Getty
      The news is a huge boost to Man UtdCredit: Rex
      Rashford went off injured versus MaltaCredit: Getty
      Rashford had collided with Trent Alexander-Arnold just before and looked in pain as he trudged off the pitch.
      Manager Gareth Southgate attempted to play down injury fears, saying: “I think he is probably okay.
      “We just thought given the nature of the collision it was a chance to get Cole into the game.
      “I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was okay when he came off.”
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      And ahead of England’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia tomorrow, the team geared up for the game at Tottenham’s training ground.
      Rashford was involved throughout the session and appeared fully fit.
      The news comes as a relief to Southgate, who has already seen Jude Bellingham, Levi Colwill, James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson pull out the squad.
      And Kieran Trippier has withdrawn since the Malta win for personal reasons.
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      England have already booked their place at the Euros and will finish top of the group.
      Rashford’s fitness is also a huge boost for Man Utd after Erik ten Hag has already dealt with several injuries this season.
      Andre Onana is no longer with the Cameroon squad after suffering a groin injury.
      Prior to the start of the international break, Danish duo Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen both pulled out of the national squad due to fitness concerns.
      Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Amad Diallo all missed United’s last game against Luton with injury.
      Harry Maguire trained ahead of the North Macedonia gameCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions are top of Group CCredit: Reuters
      Jack Grealish and Harry Kane were involved in a possession gameCredit: Getty
      England warmed up for the match at Tottenham’s training groundCredit: PA More

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      West Ham star Vladimir Coufal sent home from international duty in disgrace as one of three to ‘violate team rules’

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      WEST HAM star Vladimir Coufal has been sent home from the Czech national team for “seriously breaking team rules”.Team-mates Jakub Brabec and Jan Kuchta have also been told to leave.
      Vladimir Coufal has been sent home from international dutyCredit: Rex
      The Czechs have not yet qualified for Euro 2024.
      They face Moldova in a crucial final group stage game tomorrow.
      Jaroslav Silhavy’s side need to avoid defeat to book their place in the tournament.
      The players were meant to be resting for the match but less than 48 hours before kick-off the trio were reportedly out partying late into the night.
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      A statement from the Czech team read: “Three players fundamentally violated the internal rules of the national team on Saturday night.
      “Jakub Brabec, Vladimir Coufal and Jan Kuchta have left the national team meeting with immediate effect by the decision of the management.”
      Czech publication iSport claims the trio – along with FA chief Tomas Neumann – visited plush nightclub Belmondo in Olomouc.
      It is claimed they stayed at the hotspot until the morning hours and linked up with amateur players from the area who were celebrating the end of their season.
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      All three of the players played in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Poland.
      Coufal has 38 caps for the Czech Republic and he has played 15 times for West Ham this season.
      Brabec, who plays for Greek side Aris, is another stalwart of the national team with 40 international appearances to his name.
      Kutcha is on the books of Sparta Prague and he has been capped 14 times. More