A defeat in rather good performance came for Macedonia in the second match from the 9th qualification group for Euro 2011.

The match started slowly and it was visible that the very hot weather had affected the players. But 34th minute was played when Agim Ibraimi, who got a call to the seniors squad for the friendly against Spain, sent a wonderful long-range shot and beat the keeper. Mirko Ivanovski from Makedonija Gjorce Petrov had an opportunity to double the lead before the half-time but his shot from inside the box was saved. In the second half England opened and pushed forward, a formation that left Macedonia with more space. Newly-entered Muzafer Ejupi from Vardar had a massive chance when he was one-on-one with the English keeper but Loach was better in that duel.

Then, the 68th minute and Frederick Sears. A huge crowd inside the box after a corner kick and substitute Sears was the fastest to react. The equalizer arrived and soon after Daniel Gorgievski fouled Wilshere inside the box and the referee pointed to the penalty. Cattermole was precise and his goal brought England’s first win and Macedonia’s second defeat.

Stadium Goce Delcev, Prilep.

Macedonia: Naumovski, Aliu, Lazevski, Stankov, Dimitrovski, Gorgievski, Ivanovski* (Nestorovski 77′), Muarem, Fazli*(Ejupi 59′), Ibraimi, Stojkov* (Selmani 74′)

England: Loach, Naughton, Gibbs, Muamba* (Sears 46′), Tomkins, Mancienne, Stanislas* (Cleverley 83′), Cattermole, Sturridge, Rodwell, Rose* (Wilshere 72′).