Gareth Southgate, England’s manager believes he “has learned a great deal” even though his team finished their European Championship qualification campaign with an unsatisfactory draw against North Macedonia.
The already-qualified England won 2-0 over Malta on Friday, but they were not able to better their disappointing performance .
Southgate said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I believe in both matches, we were able to take a look at the different players and also win.”
“Normally, you wait until March before doing that. These two matches have taught us a lot, which gives us an edge. “
At the end of first-half, the hosts received a controversial spot kick after England debutant Rico Lewis grabbed striker Bojan Mihaiski’s hand when he was preparing to jump up and head the ball.
After England’s Jordan Pickford saved Enis Bardhi’s penalty kick, North Macedonia captain Enis bardhi scored from the rebound.
Harry Kane’s pressure on the Macedonian Jani Athanasov caused Foden to deflect his corner into England in the 59th-minute.
With 20 points in eight matches, England secured its place as one of five top group winners in the pot for the European Championship draw next summer in Germany.
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Two flat games are left to play
The Three Lions were humiliated 7-0 at Old Trafford by England in June.
Rob Green, the former England goalkeeper, described their performance as “hurried and hurried”.
Green said on BBC Radio 5 Live that the two games were “flat” and a disappointing way to end the season. Green told BBC Radio 5 Live that after they got an equaliser, North Macedonia created problems while England did more damage. “
Southgate’s side had made an impressive start. Declan Rice’s driven shot off the corner of the box hit the bar in the 14th minutes, before Ollie watkins headed a free kick wide seconds later.
Harry Maguire, who nudged Elif Elmas over in the box midway through the half of the match, was lucky not to have conceded a penalty. England’s penalty at halftime was harsh for the away team.
The Slovakian referee Filip Glova initially waived play when Lewis tripped Aberdeen striker Miovski but after consulting with the monitor at the pitch, he awarded a penalty kick to the home side.
A few seconds into the second period, England’s goal was ruled offside because Jack Grealish ran too fast before bundling in Bukayo Saka’s corner.
The equaliser came before the end of the first hour when Kane’s performance was enough to cause Atanasov to deflect Foden’s corner in his own goal.
England appeared to be the more likely to win the match late on, but they struggled, as they had for the majority of the game to overcome their opponent’s high block.
Southgate said: “Ofcourse we would have loved to have scored more goals, but North Macedonia has been very good in this match.” They drew against Italy. “
Lewis: ‘Excellent’ even though he conceded penalty
Gareth Southgate thought Rico Lewis was “excellent” on his England debut
Southgate can take heart from the fact that Lewis, a teenager who made his debut just a few days before his 19th year birthday, is now England’s youngest player.
The Manchester City versatile player has impressed in both midfield and defence for Pep guardiola’s team this season.
In the Tose-Proeski Arena, he looked energetic at left back. He fired a shot that went over the crossbar in the first three minute.
Just before half-time, after conceding a foul and receiving a yellow for it, the Macedonian goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski made a diving save.
Southgate added, “I thought that he was outstanding.” His ability to catch the ball in tight spaces was outstanding. He showed courage with the ball and resilience in bouncing back after a slight setback, which was not his fault.
He’s an interesting player, because figuring out his role is rather complex. It is an incredible asset that he can keep possession of the ball and perform well even under pressure. “
Kyle Walker became the 126th England captain, taking over for Kane in the first half until Bayern Munich’s forward entered the game in the second.
England ends their Euro 2024 qualification campaign without defeat and will next play Brazil and Belgium as friendly matches in March.
