North Macedonia vs England prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-11-19 19:45.
Prior to Friday night’s European Championship qualifying (ECQ) game against Italy, North Macedonia manager Blagoja Milevski warned that his side were not in the country as “tourists” and would be competitive. But perhaps lacking motivation after already failing to secure a spot at next summer’s finals, the team didn’t follow through on that promise as they fell to a 5-2 defeat, adding to their underwhelming qualifying record (W2, D1, L4).
The hosts round off their qualification campaign against England, a side they’ve never beaten (D2, L3), but with both of their home H2H defeats coming via single-goal margins, they may push their visitors hard. Additionally, North Macedonia have lost just one of their last five internationals at home (W3, D1) including holding Italy to a 1-1 draw here in September, proving they can be competitive against Europe’s elite.
As Gareth Southgate edges closer to managing as many games for England as Bobby Robson (95), his 90th game in charge was not one to remember against Malta on Friday (W 2-0). On a flat night at Wembley with several usual starters absent, his side only really got into their stride towards the end, leaving him admitting his side “didn’t hit the heights” they’ve shown they’re capable of.
The Three Lions have at least booked their place at Germany 2024 as group-winners (W6, D1), but a seeded position in next month’s draw is still up for grabs, giving Southgate food for thought as he considers handing debuts to Rico Lewis and Ezri Konsa. To seal their place in pot one, they must extend their five-match unbeaten run in ECQ away games (W4, D1), ideally by repeating their two previous H2H wins in Skopje, although a point will be enough.
Players to watch: Enis Bardhi has scored North Macedonia’s opener in two of their last three home internationals, including against Italy, while Harry Kane’s strike for England against Malta saw him score in eight consecutive games for club and country for the first time in his career.
Hot streak: England haven’t trailed at half-time since the end of the 2022 World Cup (HT: W6, D3).