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England boss Gareth Southgate says Monday’s European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia will be a “step up” from the win over Malta. Southgate’s men conclude their season with the fixture at Old Trafford, three days after beating Malta 4-0 away to make it three victories from three matches in Group C. Southgate told a press conference on Sunday regarding North Macedonia: “They should have won the other night against Ukraine, really. “We know the quality of some of the individual players, they have some players playing at big European clubs. As a team they function well. They knocked Italy out of the last World Cup, and they pushed Portugal close in those games. “So they have got pedigree, they bring the game to you a bit more than perhaps we had the other night as well. So it isn’t just a case of rolling on from Friday, it’s a step up, it’s a step up in intensity and quality, and we have to be right in our game to be able to win the match.” Monday’s match marks England’s first game on home soil not to be staged at Wembley since they were thumped 4-0 by Hungary at Molineux a year ago, which prompted jeers from the crowd. It’s a step up in intensity and quality, and we have to be right in our game to be able to win the match Gareth Southgate When asked about that, Southgate said: “It’s for us always to bring the crowd with us. The onus is on us to give the crowd something to be excitedabout and to play well. “It’s a great crowd up here anyway. When we went to Leeds a few years ago that was an exceptional atmosphere, and I’m sure Manchester will be the same. “The fact it’s a sell-out is exciting for us, it adds an edge to the game. But of course, also our opponent will be lifted by that. They will want to put on a good display. So we have to be ready for them. “We want to play well, we want to entertain our supporters and we need to win.” Southgate said it was “possible” some of the Manchester City treble-winners in his squad would be in the starting line-up on Monday, and also spoke again about Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool man impressed in a midfield role against Malta. Asked what he made of the reaction to that performance, Southgate said: “He played exceptionally well, so he deserves all the credit he’s getting – the rest is noise, so I don’t really get too distracted by that. “It’s another option, and it’s an exciting one. We know the outstanding qualities he has. I thought he adapted really well to the role, it is different to what he’s been asked to do for his club to this point. But he was excited by that and he delivered, so great credit to him.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England take the show on the road as Eze pushes for a start – talking points Father’s Day surprise for Andy Murray as his kids show up for Nottingham win Emma Raducanu admits to ‘being burnt a few times’ after US Open glory

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England host North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday night looking to maintain their perfect start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Gareth Southgate’s side have taken a stranglehold on Group C after a comfortable victory over minnows Malta on Friday. Here, the PA news agency look at some of the major talking points ahead of England’s final fixture of the season. Halfway house The visit of North Macedonia marks the midway point of England’s quest to qualify for the finals in Germany next summer. Heading into the game, the Group C favourites sit six points clear at the top having already recorded victories over Ukraine and Italy before easing past Malta. A win against North Macedonia would complete a clean sweep of their group opponents at the halfway point and see Southgate’s side close in on securing their place in December’s draw. Alexander-Arnold a natural Despite being regarded as one of Europe’s best right-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to be patient in his attempts to lock down a regular place in the England squad – let alone the starting XI. The Liverpool defender, however, shone in a midfield role in the win over Malta and said the position felt “natural” to him. Sterner tests await but, with Southgate enthused by his display, Alexander-Arnold could become a mainstay in the middle of the park for England. Eze does it Eberechi Eze became the latest senior England international as he came off the bench to replace James Maddison in the latter stages of the routine win in Malta. It was fine reward for the 24-year-old following a purple patch at Crystal Palace and now he will be pushing to make his first start. Released by Millwall in 2016, it would mark a meteoric rise for Eze, who has a long-term admirer in Southgate. Treble trouble for North Macedonia The Manchester City contingent within the England ranks were named on the bench in Malta, with just Phil Foden playing any minutes. Having been involved in the Champions League final less than a week earlier – and the ensuing celebrations – Southgate opted to keep Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones and Jack Grealish in reserve. That may not be the case at Old Trafford, however, with the City quintet wanting to end a memorable season on another high. On the road The trip to Old Trafford marks England’s first game on home soil not to be staged at Wembley since the humiliating 4-0 Nations League loss to Hungary a year ago. Molineux was the venue for that shock scoreline on June 14, 2022 as loud jeers and chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” echoed around Wolves’ stadium. Old Trafford is a more familiar setting for England games but Southgate will hope the result – and the reception – will be a much more positive experience this time out.

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