England fight back to draw in North Macedonia

England ended their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in Skopje.

Despite the lackluster performance, Gareth Southgate's team secured a spot in Pot 1 for the group-stage draw with the earned point.

In the early stages, the Three Lions dominated possession, but the only sign of danger created by the English side came when Declan Rice's powerful long-range shot hit the post.

Gareth Southgate's team lost some intensity throughout the first period, allowing the hosts to grow into the game. North Macedonia took the lead in the 39th minute when a handball by Rico Lewis resulted in a penalty, firstly saved by Jordan Pickford but Enis Bardhi didn't miss the rebound.

After conceding, England immediately sought an equaliser before the break. However, attempts by Lewis and Trent Alexander-Arnold were both denied by Stole Dimitrievski.

Shortly after the break, Gareth Southgate's men believed they had levelled when Jack Grealish scored, but replays showed that the Man City man was in an offside position.

Despite initial struggles to break through North Macedonia's defence, the Three Lions managed to equalise in the 59th minute when Harry Kane's challenge forced an own goal by JaniAtanasov.

Despite efforts to secure a late winner, England struggled to create chances due to slow build-ups and inaccurate passes.

The match eventually ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving England with 20 points in the qualification group stage.

They will enter the group-stage draw on December 2 as top seeds alongside France, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, and host nation Germany.

On the other hand, North Macedonia missed out on a second consecutive Euros appearance. Italy secured the second spot in Group C, drawing with Ukraine, who now have a chance to qualify through the playoffs.