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Pickford Helps England To Unbeaten Campaign

Jordan Pickford's England concluded their unbeaten European Championship qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia.

The Everton goalkeeper earned his 58th senior cap for his country on Monday night, becoming the first England shot-stopper to save a penalty in regular time since David Seaman at Euro 96 against Scotland.

However, it would ultimately be a frustrating evening for Gareth Southgate's side against their stubborn hosts who appeared content on settling for a point.

England had ensured qualification for next summer's tournament in Germany prior to this international break, but were motivated to finish as strong as possible in group C. 

The Three Lions controlled the opening half, but it was the Macedonians who struck first on 41 minutes at the Toše Proeski Arena.

Rico Lewis caught Bojan Miovski with a flailing arm to the face and following a VAR review, a spot-kick was given.

Macedonia's Enis Bardhi fired the ball down Pickford's left which was met by the 29-year-old with a double-handed save. However, Bardhi was first to react to the rebound and fired it into the far side of the net.

England looked to respond quickly after the break and had the ball in the back of the net two minutes after the interval.

Bukayo Saka's low cross was tapped in by Jack Grealish, but the intervention of VAR once more resulted in the goal being chalked off for offside.

The visitors eventually had their equaliser on 59 minutes.

Phil Foden's corner found Harry Kane inside the area whose header deflected off Jani Atanasov and into his own net. 

Despite their dominance, England were unable to find a winner and were forced to share the spoils.

Nevertheless, Monday's draw meant the Three Lions unbeaten run is extended to ten matches. 

Elsewhere in group C, Vitalii Mykolenko's Ukraine were denied automatic qualification for next year's EUROs as they drew 0-0 with Italy.

The Blues full-back started from the off in a must-win for his country with Italy ahead in the table on goal difference. 

Both nations produced promising efforts on goal, but it ended in a stalemate that ensured the visitors would travel to Germany next summer.

Ukraine still have an opportunity to reach the tournament in the upcoming play-offs. 

Over the weekend, Nathan Patterson's Scotland concluded their European Championship qualifying with a 3-3 draw with Norway.

Similar to Pickford's England, Scotland had secured qualification last month and aimed to finish their group on a high.

The Blues defender completed the 90 minutes and produced a standout moment when his vital block a yard off the goal-line ensured his nation went into the break level.