North Macedonia vs England - Euro 2024 qualifier: Live score and updates as Declan Rice hits the post as Three Lions push for opener with Man City teen Rico Lewis starting while Harry Kane is rested

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By Spencer Morgan For Mailonline

Published: 12:58 EST, 20 November 2023 | Updated: 15:10 EST, 20 November 2023

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Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as England take on North Macedonia in Eur 2024 qualifying action. 

North Macedonia 0-0 England

Lots of niggly fouls from the hosts. Won't be long until the referee reaches into his pocket at this rate.

North Macedonia 0-0 England

Moments later a cross from the left reaches Watkins in space in the area but he can't get enough power on the header to trouble the keeper.

Rice hits the post!

England almost ahead!

Rice recieves the ball just outside the area and goes for the far corner with a low side-footed wffort which comes back off the upright.

Just needed a little more curl on that.

North Macedonia 0-0 England

A long ball over the top finds Watkins who lays it off for Saka on the right.

He cuts inside but his strike is blocked by a defender. Shouts for a handball but the referee isn't interested.

North Macedonia 0-0 England

Walker's cross from the right reaches Grealish at the back post but fails to make space for a shot.

North Macedonia have done well at the back over these first 10 minutes.

North Macedonia 0-0 England

Not quite the fast start the visitors had been hoping for and the hosts are looking fairly lively when they do retrieve the ball...

North Macedonia 0-0 England

England having a little trouble getting to grips with the surface so far.

Rice now let's the ball go under his foot and straight out of play.

North Macedonia 0-0 England

England straight on the attack as Grealish plays a nice one-two with Rice on the left hand side of the box before trying to find Watkins at the near post.

He can't quite get in front of his defender to turn it home.

Here we go

Kyle Walker leads the Three Lions out of the first time.

Kick-off just minutes away.

Some words from Watkins

On making England squad: Goals is main thing, need to score goals but also bring different dynamic, stretching defences, pressing and bringing energy to team. Ultimately I need to score goals.

On Villa's performances: Spurs from backend last season when manager came in and taken that into this season and started strongly.

On tonight: Will get games like that, Malta made it difficult but still got win, tonight we go out there with fluid performance and a lot of goals and bring some excitement here tonight.

30 minutes to kick-off

The players are out for the warm-ups and there's not long to go now....

Walker captain for the first time

Ready to round off qualifying

Gareth Southgate's men have already secured top spot in Group C with six wins and one draw from their first seven matches.

They beat North Macedonia 7-0 in the return of this fixture and have to be fancied to end this campaign on a high.

England team news

Rico Lewis does get his chance as expected with Ollie Watkins up top.

Foden, Rice and Alexander-Arnold make up an exciting midfield with Grealish and Saka on the wings.

The Three Lions have arrived

 Kyle Walker of England inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between North Macedonia and England at National Arena Todor Proeski on November 20, 2023 in Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

 Jordan Pickford of England inspects the pitch prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between North Macedonia and England at National Arena Todor Proeski on November 20, 2023 in Skopje, Macedonia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

England set to start with exciting midfield trio of Alexander-Arnold, Rice and Foden

England will test out a new-look midfield against North Macedonia tonight that will feature Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice and Phil Foden.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate has previously been criticised over his reliance on choosing a more defensive midfield but is set to take the handbrake off tonight.

Kane rested, Watkins in

England captain Harry Kane is rested for this one with Ollie Watkins getting his chance to impress.

Good evening!

And welcome to Mail Sport's live coverage of North Macedonia vs England.

Team news to follow with kick-off at 7.45pm.

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