North Macedonia have already wrapped up promotion out of their group to the next level up in UEFA Nations League but they’ll want to end the campaign with a win in front of their own supporters. In truth, they’ve made a bit of a mockery of topping League C, Group 4 on a count of them being the only unbeaten nation. Plus, they head into this final clash seven points clear in first place.

Although this match has greater importance for Faroe Islands, who sit second in the standings, there is no doubting the gulf in class. A win confirms second spot for them, whereas a draw or defeat leaves them hoping Armenia don’t beat Latvia. For all that Sunday’s away side won away at Armenia on Thursday, to say it was a smash and grab is a massive understatement. They are also travelling to a team unbeaten in six at home, including taking points against England and Italy in that time. Also, they’ve won four in a row, all without conceding.

The schedule will also favour the home team. They were at home to Latvia on Tuesday, who they beat 1-0, and the no travelling element really cannot be understated. Faroe Islands had a six hour plane journey to Armenia on Wednesday and then have another three-and-a-half hour plane ride ahead of this clash. It all adds up, plus taking into account they were battered by Armenia despite beating them. They won 1-0 despite having two shots compared to the 25 from the opposition.

The case is simple for England, win and they finish top of the group to earn promotion to the next level. Their UEFA Nations League campaign hasn’t been plain-sailing to far on a count of deservedly losing at home to Greece, but they put that to bed on Thursday when convincingly winning 3-0 away in Athens to regain control of the group. It was a confident showing against a strong team, despite missing many key players through injury. On paper, Ireland at home should be no problem, especially as they nothing to play for but pride.

The sheer difference in quality between the two footballing nations was present earlier in the group stage when Lee Carsley’s side won 2-0 away in Dublin without really getting out of first gear. The English easily won the xG battle 2.67-0.65, outshot their opponents 16-6 and also 9-1 regarding efforts on target. It is also a case where England won’t necessarily have to be at their best to win this, but the added motivation should count for a lot. There is the home nation’s derby element to consider, but Ireland didn’t really use it to their advantage in the home tie.

One strong case to back against Ireland is the sheer lack of goals they score. Since Heimir Hallgrímsson has took change, the situation hasn’t necessarily changed. They have won twice under his stewardship, however the other three ended in losses without scoring. Across their previous 18 fixtures, they’ve only netted two or more in four of them; all those being victories, twice to Finland and twice to Gibraltar. Put them up against a strong nation and they just simply cannot compete.