In the final showdown of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the English national team concluded their journey with a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia on Monday, closing the chapter in Group Three.
🌟 Bradhi’s Goal and Atanasov’s Unintentional Equalizer
Enis Bradhi scored for North Macedonia in the 41st minute, while Jani Atanasov unintentionally netted an own goal for England in the 59th minute.
🏆 England Maintains Group Leadership
England, having secured their Euro spot earlier, maintained their group leadership with 20 points. Meanwhile, North Macedonia remained in the fourth position with 8 points.
👀 Early Tensions and Missed Opportunities
The match witnessed early tension, especially in the 4th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner caused chaos in North Macedonia’s goalmouth, only for Rico Lewis to shoot wide.
🔄 Manchester City Trio’s Collaboration
The trio of Lewis, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish exchanged passes on the left side, with Grealish delivering a cross to Declan Rice, whose shot hit the left post in the 14th minute.
⚽🚫 VAR Disallows England’s Goal
England thought they had equalized in the 47th minute, but the VAR disallowed the goal due to an offside by Jack Grealish.
🔄 Substitution Brings England’s Equalizer
England made their first substitution, bringing on Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins. This change proved pivotal as Foden took a corner, and Atanasov unintentionally turned it into his own net in the 59th minute.
⚽🧤 Jordan Pickford’s Heroics
North Macedonia appealed for a penalty when Almas went down in the box after a tussle with Harry Maguire, but the referee allowed play to continue. Jordan Pickford then saved a penalty from Enis Bradhi in the 41st minute.
🔄 Late Chances and VAR Drama
England pressed for a late winner, with Sakho’s shot saved by the goalkeeper after a superb run by Lewis. Arnold unleashed a powerful shot, brilliantly tipped over by Dimitrievski.
🚦 Final Whistle and Group Victory
Despite their efforts, neither team could break the deadlock, and the match concluded with a 1-1 draw. England’s focus now shifts to the Euro 2024, where they aim to build on their impressive qualifiers performance.
🏆 England Euro 2024 Qualification 🏴
In summary, England wrapped up their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a draw against North Macedonia. Despite the drawn result, England’s earlier qualification and group leadership showcase their readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in the Euro 2024 tournament.
