England v North Macedonia Preview, Odds, Predictions (June 19)

Initial Thoughts

The Three Lions will aim to maintain their perfect start to the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign when they host North Macedonia at the Theatre of Dreams this evening.

A team of global superstars against a minor footballing nation. Nothing could go wrong for England here…right?

The Narrative

With a population roughly one third the size of downtown Toronto, North Macedonia definitely qualifies for minnow status on the global footballing stage.

But ahead of their Euro 2024 qualification matchup against England at Old Trafford tonight, the Balkan side are no strangers to upsets and giant killing.

Back in March 2022 Macedonia pulled off the unthinkable, when a 92nd minute goal from Aleksandar Trajkovski saw them beat European champions Italy on home soil.

That late win ended the Italians’ hopes of reaching the Qatar World Cup, and the last time Macedonian met the Three Lions similar drama went down: namely a 0-0 draw that led to England missing out on qualification for the Euro 2008 finals.

Gareth Soutgate’s side got off to a great start in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign after putting in a show to beat Malta 4-0. But England will be wise not to underestimate tonight’s opposition.

Nuts and Bolts

Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a man-of-the-match performance with a goal and assist in last weekend’s win. And the Liverpool man looked well suited to the midfield role handed him by Southgate.

It remains to be seen if he’ll retain that position against Macedonia however, with England’s Man City contingent now available for selection.

Captain Fantastic Harry Kane was also on the scoresheet on Friday, and the Spurs striker has now scored in each of his last 11 European qualifiers.

North Macedonia have won two of their last three outings - beating Malta and the Faroe Islands by single goal margins back in March before losing 3-2 to Ukraine on the weekend.

But Igor Angelovski’s side were 2-0 up against Ukraine at the stroke of half-time and could well have come away with a point had they not been reduced to ten men with fifteen minutes left to play.

Homestand Picks

All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets

North Macedonia Over 2.5 cards (+114)

The Macedonians are a physical side, having racked up nine yellows and two reds in their last three competitive outings.

Pre-pack parlay: Both teams to score & over 2.5 goals (+275)

Boasting an array of attacking talent, England have had 16 shots on target and scored six in their last two competitive fixtures. But Harry Kane at center-back is about as high risk as it gets, so we’re backing North Macedonia to at least find the net in this fixture.

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