North Macedonia vs England predictions: Expect a fast start from Three Lions

- North Macedonia have been losing at half-time in their last three Group D defeats
- Nine of England's last 10 away European Championship qualifiers have produced over 2.5 goals
- Recommended bet: Over 1.5 1st Half Goals

England's 2-0 win over Malta on Friday was not one of their most memorable performances under Gareth Southgate, but they have taken 19 points from a possible 21 in Euro 2024 qualifying.

The Three Lions are hot favourites to sign off with another Group C victory when they travel to North Macedonia, who were thrashed 7-0 in June's reverse fixture at Old Trafford.

Their defence was exposed again in last week's 5-2 loss to Italy in Rome and England's forwards will expect to get plenty of chances in their final qualifying game.

Team news

North Macedonia's Jani Atanasov should start after scoring twice as a substitute against Italy. Defender Stefan Ashkovski and winger Milan Ristovski are also pushing for recalls.

England are missing the injured Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Levi Colwill, Lewis Dunk, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell and Callum Wilson.

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka could start after coming off the bench against Malta on Friday, but Marcus Rashford is a doubt, while Manchester City's Rico Lewis may start at left-back.

The stats

England have won eight of their nine games since the 2022 World Cup and Harry Kane has scored in nine of England's last 11 internationals.

Nine of England's last 10 away European Championship qualifiers have produced over 2.5 goals.

Five of North Macedonia's last 10 matches have featured over 3.5 goals.

Both teams have scored in six of North Macedonia's last seven home matches.

Prediction

England made a slow start to their game against Malta, taking the lead through an early own goal before record scorer Harry Kane wrapped up the points in the 75th minute.

Manager Southgate is likely to shuffle his pack for the second game of the international window, but bringing in the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker will not weaken the Three Lions.

Arsenal's Saka scored a hat-trick in June's meeting with North Macedonia, who were 3-0 down at half-time in Manchester, and over 1.5 first-half goals looks a good bet.

That has been a winner in six of England's first seven matches in the group and North Macedonia were also trailing 3-0 at the break in Friday's defeat to European champions Italy.

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