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England clash with North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Monday (June 19), but the game is taking place at Old Trafford due to singer Harry Styles' concert at the Wembley.
TalkSPORT reports that the Three Lions are playing their first international game at Manchester United's stadium in more than a decade because the Wembley is not available. The national team's stadium is configured for a concert, not a football game.
Harry Styles has been holding concerts around the country and recently played four nights at Wembley. Hence, the pitch is still covered and not prepared for the Euro 2024 qualifier.
England last played at Old Trafford in 2007 when they beat Spain 1-0. On Monday, they face a North Macedonia side that they are massive favourites to beat. Gareth Southgate's side have won all three of their opening Euro 2024 qualifiers. They beat Italy 2-1, Ukraine 2-0 and Malta 4-0, making an excellent start to their qualifying campaign as they top Group C.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia are second bottom but have only played twice. They beat Malta 2-1 but are heading into this game as the underdogs. Many will be quick to recall how they shocked Italy 1-0 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff last year.
North Macedonia manager Blagoja Milevski praises England ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier
North Macedonia manager Blagoja Milevski has lauded England ahead of his side's clash with the Three Lions.
He has admitted that Рисови Risovi need a miracle to get the better of Southgate's team (via The Independent):
"We shouldn’t waste words talking about the quality of this England team. 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."
England missed out on European glory in 2021 when they suffered defeat at the Wembley to Italy on penalties in the final. However, the Three Lions have become one of world football's most exciting nations under Southgate.
They're expected to have no problem in qualifying for next year's European Championships. The squad is brimming with talent, including the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford.
Southgate's men may just be among the frontrunners should they book their ticket to Germany next summer. However, their focus will be on getting the job done in qualifying on Monday as they look to take another step towards the finals.
