19 November 2023 , 22:30
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England are on red alert over the state of the pitch for their Euros qualifier with North Macedonia.
The grass in the National Arena Todor Proeski Stadium was only relaid six weeks ago and there are instructions in the dressing rooms for players not to warm up in certain areas before the game. Italy striker Ciro Immobile branded the pitch “dangerous” when they played here in September while North Macedonia midfielder Eljif Elmas actually apologised for the state of the playing surface.
It is the same stadium where former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho revealed UEFA had apologised because the goalposts were too low during Spurs’ win over North Macedonian side Shkendija three years ago. Premier League clubs are aware of the state of the pitch because of the risk to their players potentially picking up injuries.
England boss Gareth Southgate, whose side will not train on the pitch before the game on Monday night, said: “I know they’re relaid it. I would imagine it hasn’t quite knitted, but we’ll see.
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“That’s why you want to make sure you’re qualified well in advance. We said that right at the start of the qualifying campaign, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get away from home.”
Southgate admitted that Prem bosses and clubs will be concerned for their players as several stars are already carrying niggles and knocks. But the England boss insisted they would not take any chances.
Southgate added: “There will be that without a pitch (issue) or not! No, we wouldn’t take any chances with players.” UEFA have also told all fans to get to the stadium early and they will shut the gates half an hour before kick off to stop overcrowding.
Gareth Southgate has admitted the pitch condition will concern Premier League bosses (Getty Images)It is to avoid a last minute rush as they say North Macedonia supporters have a habit of turning up late but they insist England fans have been made aware. Southgate has warned his players they will face a “wounded” animal in North Macedonia.
England thrashed them 7-0 at Old Trafford and that could put them on for revenge when they face Southgate’s men.
Southgate said: “We play a team who, although they can't qualify, have tremendous pride and they’ll be wounded by what happened in Manchester.
“We have to be ready for a really good atmosphere. Full crowd, full stadium. We’ve had a calendar year where we've been very good, so we want to finish well.”
The England boss also dropped a big hint that teenager Rico Lewis could make his England debut at left back. England suffered two fresh blows on Sunday after Jarrod Bowen complained of suffering a knock in training and did not travel while Kieran Trippier also returned to his club because of personal reasons.
It leaves England short at left back and Manchester City ’s versatile Lewis could fill in but Southgate looks certain to field a strong XI.
Three Lions boss Southgate said: “Rico is an option. He’s a versatile player. I’m really pleased with how he’s trained, he’s settled really well. He’s very comfortable with the ball.
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“He’s played there a few times. He’s played everywhere for City. Him and Cole Palmer are here because we believe in them and we wouldn’t hesitate to put him in.
“Sometimes with young players it’s great for their development to play different positions and in a couple of years maybe that will be a little bit clearer.”