In the Euro 2024 qualification final fixture, England travels to North Macedonia aiming to secure a spot in Pot 1 for the upcoming draw.
While England sits comfortably atop Group C with 19 points, North Macedonia looks to end their campaign on a positive note after being eliminated.
Match Preview:
North Macedonia, currently fourth in Group C with two wins, a draw, and four losses, faced a 5-2 defeat against Italy in their recent fixture, following a 2-0 loss to Ukraine.
Their wins in this campaign have come against Malta, but they showed promise in the 2022 World Cup playoffs, despite losing to Portugal in the finals.
England heads into this match following a 2-0 victory over Malta. The Three Lions, with six wins and a draw in their seven fixtures, aim to secure their place in Pot 1.
Gareth Southgate’s team had a quarter-final exit in the 2022 World Cup and finished as runners-up in Euro 2020.
Team News:
North Macedonia might introduce Jani Atanasov, Milan Ristovski, and Stefan Ashkovski into their XI after their performance against Italy. Elif Elmas and Enis Bardhi are expected to maintain their spots.
For England, Rico Lewis might debut at left-back. Bukayo Saka, Kalvin Phillips, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, and Jack Grealish could also enter the starting lineup. Marcus Rashford could be sidelined due to injury.
Notable absentees from the England squad due to fitness concerns include Nick Pope, John Stones, Luke Shaw, Reece James, Jude Bellingham, and James Maddison. Raheem Sterling continues to be overlooked despite his impressive form for Chelsea.
Possible Lineups:
North Macedonia:(3-4-3)
Dimitrievski;
Ashkovski, Serafimov, Musliu;
Dimoski, Atanasov, Elezi, Alioski;
Ristovski, Bardhi, Elmas
England:(4-3-3)
Pickford;
Walker, Guehi, Maguire, Lewis;
Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Phillips;
Grealish, Kane, Saka
Prediction: North Macedonia 1-2 England
England should secure a win, although North Macedonia poses talent. Given England’s recent form and the desire to secure a top spot, they are likely to clinch victory in what could be a closely contested encounter.
