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The potential absence of Bukayo Saka and the availability of Manchester City’s treble-winners from the start of the game could determine Gareth Southgate’s selection as England face North Macedonia on Monday night. Another intriguing wrinkle comes in whether he opts to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield one more after his stand-out showing in the win over Malta - while several Manchester United players will hope to start, with the game on home soil at Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford will be one, but he’s vying against Jack Grealish and James Maddison, with the latter starting the victory on Friday. A fourth straight win in Euro 2024 qualifying is the expectation here for the Three Lions, with the finals in Germany then very close given the top two will automatically progress. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game. When is the match? England play North Macedonia on Monday 19 June with kick-off set for 7:45pm BST. Where can I watch? All England senior men’s games are now shown live on Channel 4. Viewers can stream the match via the Channel 4 website and app. You can also follow the live blog right here on the Independent, starting from around 6pm BST. What is the England team news? Bukayo Saka was subbed off against Malta with a knock so might not feature, while Eberechi Eze will hope for a second cap after making his debut off the bench. Gareth Southgate’s big decisions will be over how many Man City stars to bring into the lineup, with John Stones most likely but Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips all hoping to feature too. Phil Foden is the fifth member and he might replace Saka from the start, having done so in the last match. Trent Alexander-Arnold continuing in midfield against an opponent which represents a slight step-up is also another possibility. Predicted lineups ENG - Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw, Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Henderson, Foden, Kane, Rashford MKD - Dimitrievski, Ristovski, Zajkov, Velkovski, Ashkovski, Ademi, Bardhi, Alioski, Elmas, Nestorovski, Trajkovski Odds England 1/10 Draw 12/1 North Macedonia 28/1 Prediction England to take another step towards the finals in Germany next summer with a straight-forward victory by at least a couple of goals. England 3-0 North Macedonia. Read More How to watch England vs North Macedonia online and on TV tonight Marcus Rashford’s complicated England relationship could be at turning point England stars must ignore transfer talk, says Gareth Southgate Gareth Southgate sees a tougher test for his team at Old Trafford England take the show on the road as Eze pushes for a start – talking points Gareth Southgate wants England to retain winning mentality on road to Euro 2024

What the papers say Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is heading for the exit door at the Emirates, according to the Daily Telegraph. The Gunners are willing to let the 30-year-old Ghana international leave as they look to reshape their midfield. Manchester United are looking to make a £45million bid for England’s Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 29, according to the Star on Sunday. The Daily Mail reports United are also expected to increase their bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount to £50m. Newcastle are poised for a surprise bid for a new goalkeeper, reports The Sun. They say West Brom’s Josh Griffiths, 21, is in the sights of the north-east club. Burnley are also on the lookout for a goalkeeper with Antwerp’s Jean Butez the latest potential target. The Sun says they will switch their attention to the Frenchman, 28, if they miss out on Dutch youngster Bart Verbruggen, 20, from Anderlecht. Social media round-up Players to watch Kyle Walker: Bayern Munich are in talks with Manchester City over a deal for the 33-year-old England defender. Joao Palhinha: West Ham are reportedly close to a move for the Portugal midfielder, 27, as a potential replacement for Declan Rice. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Spain held their nerve to win the UEFA Nations League final by beating Croatia 5-4 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Rotterdam. Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal converted the winning spot-kick after Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon had saved efforts from Croatia’s Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic. Spain’s triumph saw them seal a fifth major trophy and become the second nation after France to have won the World Cup, European Championship and the Nations League. Manchester City pair Rodri and Aymeric Laporte, who scored and missed for Spain respectively in the shoot-out, have won a fourth major trophy of the season. Croatia, who beat the Netherlands 4-2 after extra time in their semi-final on Wednesday, had been hoping to win their first major tournament. Spain did not have one shot on target in a poor first half of regulation time, while Laporte’s last-ditch tackle thwarted Andrej Kramaric, and Ivan Perisic’s header forced Simon into a diving save. Spain went close in the 58th minute when Marco Asensio headed their best chance up to then just over from the over-lapping Jordi Alba’s cross. Croatia responded through Mario Pasalic’s header, after another ball in from Perisic, before Spain stepped it up, with Fabian Ruiz’s chipped effort and Asensio’s shot on the turn both going close. Spain went closest to breaking the deadlock in the 86th minute when Perisic blocked Ansu Fati’s shot on the goal-line following fellow substitute Mikel Merino’s cut-back. Croatia substitute Majer was also denied by last-ditch defending as his shot after a counter-attack was blocked by Nacho in the first period of extra time. Spain threw caution to the wind in the second period and finished the game on top. Dani Olmo and Asensio had shots deflected for a corner and Rodri’s effort was blocked as the third Nations League final went to penalties, with Carvajal converting a nerveless winner. Earlier on Sunday, Italy beat the Netherlands 3-2 in the third-place play-off in Enschede. Roberto Mancini’s side, who sealed Nations League bronze for the second tournament running, made a flying start as Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi put them 2-0 up in 20 minutes. Steven Bergwijn reduced the deficit for the Netherlands midway through the second half, but Federico Chiesa struck Italy’s third four minutes later. Georginio Wijnaldum ensured a nervy finale with the Netherlands’ second goal in the 89th minute, but it was not enough to prevent a third defeat in four games under boss Ronald Koeman, in his second stint in charge. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Tommy Fleetwood agonisingly close to slice of major history Ireland boss Stephen Kenny insists he has not sought assurances over his future Northern Ireland’s Paddy McNair has a positive outlook ahead of Kazakhstan clash

Stephen Kenny has insisted he has not sought assurances over his future as Republic of Ireland manager despite facing mounting criticism. Kenny’s position has been questioned and potential successors touted in the wake of a hugely disappointing 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying defeat in Greece on Friday evening which left Ireland’s hopes of making it to the finals in severe jeopardy after just two games. However, asked if he had been given any assurances by the Football Association of Ireland that he would see out the campaign, the 51-year-old replied: “I haven’t sought any assurance. That’s not something I do.” Kenny, who complained about “a lack of respect” at his pre-match press conference, was asked how he felt he was doing as Ireland manager. He said: “I’m not going to sit here and do a full press conference on an assessment of my period in charge or anything like that, I’m here really to prepare for tomorrow, the game against Gibraltar. “It’s a big game for us. Obviously, I’m disappointed that we lost against Greece, but we’ve got to bounce back against Gibraltar and I’m fairly sure we can do that, and we’ll take that into September.” For all Kenny’s bullishness, Ireland have won only four of the 23 competitive games they have played under his charge and lost five of the last eight. Asked if that was a source of disappointment, he said: “It’s a fair question. I’m disappointed about the Greek game, I’m disappointed we didn’t get the result that we needed. Listen, we have lost a game that we wanted to win and we have to bounce back against Gibraltar.” Former Ireland boss Brian Kerr was critical of Kenny’s tenure in his role as a TV pundit, while counterpart Liam Brady, one of the nation’s most gifted former internationals, described the current squad as “the worst group of players that any manager has had in my lifetime”. James McClean, who will captain the side against Gibraltar on Monday as he collects his 100th cap, said: “It would be very stupid and naive for me to sit here and take on Liam Brady and criticise Liam Brady with the calibre of player that he was and what he was. I’m not going to do that. “But look, we have a tendency, especially in this country, to get carried away. We are two games in now. This country in the past has shown that we have big results in us when no-one has expected it. “There is a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the campaign. We’re not naive, we know it’s going to be tough, very tough, but we have to start somewhere and we aim to do that on Monday night against Gibraltar and take it a game at a time.”

Luke Shaw has been selling Manchester United to his England team-mates and says he would take Harry Kane and Declan Rice at Old Trafford “in a heartbeat”. Having continued their winning start to Euro 2024 qualification by beating Malta 4-0 on Friday, Gareth Southgate’s side have been preparing at Carrington for the season finale against North Macedonia. Shaw posted an Instagram story on Saturday showing pictures of him at the United training base next to Kane and Rice with the caption “Carrington tour” and an eyes emoji. The lighthearted post comes with the futures of Tottenham striker Kane and West Ham captain Rice among the highest profile of many transfer talking points surrounding this group of England players. “It is not normally discussed but, because of the time of the season and what is going on, there is a lot of talk, a lot of banter,” Shaw said. “I would love a few of them to join United – I am not going to lie. I am speaking to them, telling them how good Manchester is because I know their qualities. “I know they are world-class players and they would be a massive help to us but I can only say so much. It is up to the club and whatever they decide, so we have to go from there.” Shaw joked “hopefully they like it and can get used to it” at United, who have a long-standing interest in Kane and Rice but are understood to view deals for the duo as highly unlikely. Mason Mount – absent from the England camp through injury – is the more immediate midfield prospect as United look to build on a promising first season under Erik ten Hag. If it was down to me, I would take them in a heartbeat and they would improve our team massively and help us go to what we want to achieve. Luke Shaw on Harry Kane and Declan Rice “Yes, half joking,” the left-back said of the Instagram post. “It is a bit of both. I know they are both world-class players and I don’t know what is going on at their clubs. “But if it was down to me, I would take them in a heartbeat and they would improve our team massively and help us go to what we want to achieve.” Shaw said “you could pick anyone in this squad and love them to come” to a United side that are on the up. “I’ve been here for a long time now,” said the 27-year-old, who joined the Old Trafford outfit from Southampton in 2014. “I’ve been through very different periods, a lot of ups and downs, but I can feel that the club is going in the right direction now. “I care about this club a lot and I’ll do anything I can to bring the right players here that I know the manager will like and want and who will definitely improve our team. “It’s only a matter of time until we’re challenging for the big trophies.” Shaw openly said at the end of the season that United need “big signings” as Ten Hag continues to shape the squad in his image. Whether captain Harry Maguire has a part to play in that remains unclear after a season he spent sat on the sidelines far more than he wanted. Left-back Shaw has even been selected at centre-back ahead of the world’s most expensive defender. “It’s tough,” he said. “I think a few times Harry has been struggling with a niggle, so he wasn’t always 100 per cent fit. “But I also do think the manager does like a left-footed centre-back – that’s in his philosophy and the way he wants to play. “I played there in one game and he really liked me in that position, and he kept me there. “But of course I’m really close with Harry, we speak a lot and for me personally, whenever I’m on that pitch, I have to do my best and that’s wherever the manager wants me to play.” Maguire may well start against North Macedonia on Monday, when Shaw will win a 31st cap of an international career that looked like it could fall flat. He won eight caps between 2014 and 2021, when the Euros final goalscorer kicked on and established himself as Southgate’s first-choice left-back. “I love it so much,” Shaw said ahead of Monday’s Old Trafford qualifier. “The feeling playing for your country is one of the best ever. “You touched on appreciating it more, and I definitely do. There were times I made mistakes and didn’t really understand how lucky I was to be in this position. “For me, I’ve matured, I grew up and I realised how important it is for me to appreciate playing for England. “I definitely do now. Every time I step out on that pitch I feel lucky and blessed to be in this position. “Hopefully I can keep giving my best for the country because I love playing for them so much.”

Luke Shaw has said he would take Harry Kane and Declan Rice at Manchester United “in a heartbeat” after half-jokingly trying to sign them up at Old Trafford. The left-back has revealed he has been trying to sell United to his England teammates, several of whom could be on the move this summer. Shaw posted an Instagram video giving Kane and Rice a tour of United’s training complex at Carrington, where England are preparing for Monday’s game against North Macedonia. While Erik ten Hag is looking for a striker and a midfielder this summer, neither Kane nor Rice is likely to join United, despite Shaw’s best efforts. “There is a lot of talk, a lot of banter,” he said. “I would love a few of them to join United, I am not going to lie. I am speaking to them, telling them how good Manchester is because I know their qualities. “I know they are world-class players and they would be a massive help to us but I can only say so much. It is up to the club and whatever they decide. They have been here the last couple of days and hopefully they like it and can get used to it!” Kane, who has attracted interest from Real Madrid, has a year left on his contract at Tottenham while Rice is expected to join Arsenal, though Manchester City are also tracking him, but United are favourites to sign Mason Mount. Shaw described his social-media video as “half joking”. He explained: “It is a bit of both. I know they are both world-class players and I don’t know what is going on at their clubs but if it was down to me, I would take them in a heartbeat and they would improve our team massively and help us go to what we want to achieve. “You could pick anyone in this squad and love them to come to this team. We have strength and depth. [They have] world-class abilities and any players that leave to go to another club this summer will only make the other team better.” Shaw, whose own future is secure after signing a new contract with United, said there have been plenty of discussions in the England squad about summer moves. He added: “Because of the situation of when this camp is and the situation of contracts running down, there is much more talk this time around than there has been in other years. “We read what is going on. We all talk. We are all really close. We have private conversations of what is going on although they won’t be spoken about here.” Read More England stars must ignore transfer talk, says Gareth Southgate Gareth Southgate sees a tougher test for his team at Old Trafford Gareth Southgate wants England to retain winning mentality on road to Euro 2024 Marcus Rashford couldn’t stomach Man City celebrations but England remain united

North Macedonia head coach Blagoja Milevski believes England have some of the best players in the world and admits his side need a “miracle” to get a result in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Old Trafford. England top Group C having won their opening three games and can take a large step to reaching the finals in Germany next summer if they continue that run in Manchester on Monday night. North Macedonia, meanwhile, let a two-goal lead slip to lose at home to Ukraine on Friday night and Milevski knows things are not about to get easier. “We shouldn’t waste words talking about the quality of this England team,” he said. “Individually or as a team, they are one of the best, have the best players in the world and showed their quality a few days ago. “On an international level and at club level, if we are talking about English football it is the best in the world and it will be a great pleasure to play against them. “On one way it is the easiest (game). England is obvious the strongest in our group so there is no pressure on North Macedonia because our players are going to perform their best and – without that pressure – they are going to enjoy competing with England. Macedonia, as they were known at the time, secured a memorable 0-0 draw at Old Trafford when they last faced England as part of Steve McClaren’s ill-fated Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Milevski, though, will not be looking at that game as inspiration for his side, who he wants to enjoy the occasion. He added: “From 2006 – that is 17 years ago now – but now Macedonia show not only in this moment but back for quite a few years that we can be competitive in Europe. “I don’t have to mention what they achieved already in the past, we know that Macedonia has enough strength to be competitive in these qualifiers. “It is very rare to have this chance to play in front of such a crowd and in such a stadium. “Just the competition and the league that is played in England is very impressive and as soon as you enter this kind of environment, you don’t need any more motivation than that, you have a chance to show the maximum you possess. “As far as this competition is concerned, we are such a team that we need to make a miracle, any nervousness we have before the match we are going to forget about it on the pitch. “This, in front of us tomorrow, maybe happens once or twice in your career as a player and a management team and we need to show we are able to do miracles like we did in other competitions. “We have shown many times this team has the ability to compete against the biggest international teams and we are going to do our best.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hampshire beat Surrey by nine wickets to stay on course for quarter-final place Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick says US Open course is ‘not my cup of tea’ James McClean wants to carry on playing for Ireland for as long as possible

James McClean has vowed to prolong his Republic of Ireland career for as long as possible after manager Stephen Kenny tipped him to follow in Luka Modric’s footsteps. The 34-year-old old Wigan midfielder will win his 100th senior cap for his country in Monday night’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Gibraltar in Dublin, with the Ireland boss marking the achievement by handing him the captain’s armband. Kenny voiced the opinion last week that McClean is so fit, there is no reason he cannot do what Croatia star Modric has done and play international football at the age of 37. Asked if that was in his mind, McClean said: “Physically I feel great. I don’t feel I have slowed down too much. If I stay injury-free and I’m still enjoying it, if I continue to get picked, why not?” Derry-born McClean won his first cap for Ireland as a substitute against the Czech Republic in February 2012 during his time at Sunderland, and was part of the squads which qualified for the finals of both Euro 2012 and 2016. A winger by trade, he has scored winning goals in key World Cup qualifiers in Austria and Wales, but latterly has been used by Kenny as a wing-back. He will join some of Ireland’s biggest names in reaching a century with only Robbie Keane, Shay Given, John O’Shea, Kevin Kilbane, Steve Staunton and Damien Duff currently ahead of him. Speaking before Kenny confirmed he will start the game, McClean said: “To hopefully get 100 caps and join the illustrious names on that list will be pretty special, not just for my family, but everyone who helped me make that happen.” McClean, who won his 99th cap as a substitute in Greece on Monday evening, will hope to reach his personal landmark in style after a bruising experience for him and his team-mates in Athens. But for all the big nights he has enjoyed in a green shirt, McClean insists the honour of pulling it on in the first place represents the biggest thrill. Asked what was his proudest moment on the international stage, he said: “Representing Ireland. “Being able to do that just once was special. I’ve never hidden the fact of how proud I am to be Irish. To be given the opportunity to step on the pitch and effect games for your country, that’s what I’m proudest of.”

Croatia are aiming for its first tournament trophy as it plays Spain in the final of the Nations League in Rotterdam. Croatia finished third in the World Cup last year and runners-up in 2018, and winning the Nations League would cap 37-year-old Luka Modric’s international career in what would be the Real Madrid midfielder’s 166th game for his country. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente can win a trophy in only his fourth game since taking over in December following Spain’s World Cup round-of-16 exit to Morocco under Luis Enrique. Spain’s last tournament win came at the 2012 European Championship. Earlier, host nation the Netherlands played Italy in the third-place game in Enschede. Here is everything you need to know. When is the final? Croatia vs Spain kicks off at 7.45pm BST in Rotterdam, Netherlands. TV channel and live stream The Nations League final will be broadcast live in the UK on Channel 4. Viewers can also stream the match live via the Channel 4 website and app. Who finished third? Italy claimed the consolation bronze medals at the Nations League finals, and added to a disappointing week for hosts the Netherlands, as they edged the Dutch 3-2 in Sunday’s third place playoff tie at the Twente Stadium. Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score from in front of goal in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead. But the Dutch launched a concerted second half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break, laying siege to Italy’s goal and seeing Steven Bergwijn pull a goal back in the 68th minute. Federico Chiesa restored the two goal advantage at the end of a 73rd minute counterattack but there was an exciting conclusion as Georginio Wijnaldum got a second for the Dutch in the 89th. But even though nine minutes of stoppage time was added on, Italy held out under home pressure for victory. Read More Italy finish third in Nations League after beating the Netherlands Joselu fires Spain to Nations League final with late winner against Italy Gareth Southgate facing ‘complicated’ decision on Man City stars for Malta game Gareth Southgate undecided on whether to select Man City stars against Malta Focus on Republic of Ireland’s opponents Greece and the threat they may pose Home support can be Malta’s 12th man against England – ex-player David Carabott

Stephen Kenny has brushed off speculation over his future as Republic of Ireland manager amid a tide of criticism in the wake of a disastrous start to the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. Kenny woke on Sunday morning to reports he could be replaced following Friday night’s 2-1 defeat in Greece, which left his side without a point from the first two fixtures and with their hopes of making it to the finals fast receding. However, despite seeing England Under-21s manager and former Ireland international Lee Carsley, Ghana boss Chris Hughton and Sam Allardyce linked with his job, Kenny remained bullish ahead of Monday night’s must-win fixture against lowly Gibraltar. Asked if he expected to be in charge for the remainder of the campaign, he said: “Yes, I definitely do. My contract is up to the end of the campaign and whether it’s renewed will depend on how people feel the campaign went overall, but certainly I fully expect to be. “We want a positive result tomorrow and that’s firmly what I’m focused on.” Anything other than a win over Gibraltar, ranked 201st by world governing body FIFA, some 152 places below Ireland, would simply fuel the fires of those who want a change of manager. Asked if anything less was unthinkable, Kenny replied: “In terms of European Championship qualification, yes, it is, yes.” It is not the first time during the three years since he replaced Mick McCarthy at the helm that Kenny has found himself in the firing line, and that clamour would increase significantly if his team did not come out on top – and handsomely so – on Monday evening. His background, unlike recent predecessors Giovanni Trapattoni, Martin O’Neill and McCarthy, is largely in the League of Ireland, and the success or otherwise of his attempts to play an enterprising brand of football has been a topic for debate throughout. Asked how he maintains his optimism in the face of such a backlash, Kenny said: “It’s irrelevant, to be honest, it’s irrelevant, I just really focus on developing the team and preparing the team for tomorrow. “There is a lot of criticism, some of it justified, and I have to accept that. Likewise some of it inaccurate, that’s the nature of it. From my point of view, I’m not fixated with it. I’m just firmly focused on what we have to do and just focused on the task at hand, which is managing this group of players. “We’re not perfect, but I really believe in the players. I know people have other viewpoints, but I believe in the players. “We wanted to win against Greece, we didn’t win. That’s a reality. If we had won the other night against Greece, everything would have been on track, we’d have been going into the Gibraltar game with everything great. “Now because we didn’t, it’s a catastrophe, and I do get that, but we’ve got to focus on tomorrow and Gibraltar, make sure we are ready.” Kenny has no fresh injuries, but has indicated he will make changes, one of which will see Wigan midfielder James McClean wear the captain’s armband as he wins his 100th cap.

Italy beat the Netherlands 3-2 in the Nations League third-place play-off in Enschede. Roberto Mancini’s side, who sealed Nations League bronze for the second tournament running, made a flying start as Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi put them 2-0 up in 20 minutes. Steven Bergwijn reduced the deficit for the Netherlands midway through the second half, but Federico Chiesa struck Italy’s third four minutes later. Georginio Wijnaldum ensured a nervy finale with the Netherlands’ second goal in the 89th minute, but it was not enough to prevent a third defeat in four games under boss Ronald Koeman, in his second stint in charge. Croatia face Spain in the final at Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam at 1945 on Sunday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Gareth Southgate advised players not to be stressed by summer transfer talk after joking the England squad have been “tapping each other up” throughout this camp. This mammoth, unprecedented season finally comes to a close with Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia at a sold-out Old Trafford. England won 4-0 in Malta on Friday and are expected to take another step towards next summer’s tournament by winning a Group C clash played out against a backdrop of transfer talk. Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Kyle Walker are subject of summer interest, while Harry Maguire, Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips have decisions to make over their lack of game time at club level. There is also speculation about Jordan Pickford and James Maddison, but Southgate has not felt the need to speak to players about it – even though the former defender does have some advice. “I haven’t felt the need to say anything,” Southgate said. “I mean, the players are tapping each other up anyway on the quiet, so I can’t do anything about that! “What I have said is that these things run their course, they happen in their own time, you can’t force it as a player. “Don’t get frustrated, don’t be asking all summer. You don’t need to be updated on every call that happens. “There’s a lot of negotiation that goes on. I remember as a player getting too wrapped up in every detail of that. “In the end, there’s only a small amount that you can actually control. “I think all of those things will happen later on in the summer and I think the players understand that, really. “And they know the focus for the next 36 hours is this game, finishing the season well, making sure we’re set on 12 points and we’ll be in a very healthy position if we do that.” Southgate was speaking alongside left-back Luke Shaw at Sunday’s pre-match press conference and the defender smiled when “tapping up” was mentioned. England are training at Manchester United’s Carrington base and the 27-year-old posted an Instagram story on Saturday showing pictures of him next to Kane and another with Rice. The Old Trafford giants have a longstanding interest in both, and Shaw tagged them in the post with the caption “Carrington tour” and an eyes emoji. Asked who he has been tapping up, Shaw said with a laugh: “There’s a few.” When Mason Mount, another United are interested in, was mentioned to him, Shaw said: “Obviously he’s not here but I think it is all just a bit of banter, really. “Obviously we have a joke and a laugh about it, not too sure what goes on behind the scenes. “It’s to do with the club, really, but of course when we are here we are always together and we have a joke about it. “I don’t really know too much what is going on. That’s just it really.” Shaw looks set to start on Monday as Old Trafford hosts the national men’s team for the first time since 2007. England also played there the previous year against Macedonia – a drab 0-0 draw in what proved to be a failed Euro 2008 qualification campaign. They drew 2-2 in their only other home meeting against the Balkan nation, who Southgate is not taking lightly as he looks to make it third time lucky. “They should have won the other night against Ukraine really,” the England boss said. “So we know the quality of some of the individual players. “They have got some players playing at big European clubs. As a team they function well. “They obviously knocked Italy out of the last World Cup and pushed Portugal close in those knockout 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 is a step up in intensity and quality and we’ve got to be right on our game to win the match.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Italy finish third in Nations League after beating the Netherlands Katie Boulter fulfils childhood ambition with ‘special’ victory at Nottingham Gareth Southgate sees a tougher test for his team at Old Trafford