England dropped points in surprising fashion in their final Euro 2024 qualifying game away in North Macedonia, but still finished atop Group C.
England fans demand Southgate’s dismissal after disappointing end to campaign
Prior to kick-off in Monday’s final Group C game for England, the Three Lions had already secured top seed status ahead of Italy in second and knew they could let their hair down and relax in North Macedonia.
However, that didn’t necessarily mean dropping points in a match-up that favoured the visitors massively. They started shaky and looked uncomfortable throughout the encounter, starting in defence.
Harry Maguire arguably got away with murder when he dragged Eljif Elmas to the floor inside the area inside the first 25 minutes, but referee Filip Glova waved away strong claims for a penalty from the hosts.
As the interval approached, Manchester City full-back Rico Lewis conceded a spot-kick with a clumsy wayward arm which struck Bojan Miovski. Despite Jordan Pickford’s best efforts, where he recorded the first non-shootout penalty save from an England goalkeeper in a decade, Enis Bardhi converted the follow up.
Jani Atanasov’s own-goal meant that the travelling side left with a point, closing out a successful European qualifying campaign which sees England finish top of Group C with 20 points from eight games.
Supporters on Twitter were less than impressed with another dismal display from the Three Lions and called for manager Gareth Southgate to be relieved of his duties.
England should sack Southgate if they want to progress. But they won’t and we’ll continue to waste a squad of immensely talented players on a playing style that belongs in the 80’s in Division 2
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 20, 2023
As a decision it doesn’t get any easier-England can keep Southgate and be valiant losers in Germany or we can appoint a top class manager before the tournament and lift the European trophy aloft in Berlin, it really is as simple as that…
— Rory Jennings 🍊🦩 (@Chelsearory) November 20, 2023
Going into Euro 2024 with Southgate as England manager will be one of the biggest mistakes in football.
— Beth T (@bethTmufc) November 20, 2023
England must sack Southgate, it’s gone stale!
— Terry Flewers (@terryflewers) November 20, 2023
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