Gareth Southgate hails Old Trafford buzz after England’s victory over North Macedonia

Gareth Southgate has hailed playing at Old Trafford as ‘exceptional’ for England as they romped to a 7-0 victory in front of a full house on Monday night.

‘It was brilliant from the minute we came out to warm up,’ Southgate said. ‘There was a buzz around the stadium. It was exceptional. I feel it is really important we play not just for a part of England but all of England.

‘I doubt Trent Alexander-Arnold will get a standing ovation taking a corner at Old Trafford again. That is significant because I have played at England stadiums where players have been booed because they are from the wrong clubs. It’s credit to the players that there is that connection with the fans and it drove the team. It was as good an atmosphere for a home game as I can remember.’

Despite Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick, Southgate refused to say the right wing position was now the Arsenal player’s to lose.

‘Football doesn’t work like that,’ he said. ‘There’ll be dips of form, injuries, different types of opponent. Bukayo is an outstanding talent. He’s totally reliable with and without the ball. He’s humble. But I’ve been in football a long time. We’ve got to keep other players feeling important. The mentality that somebody like Jordan Henderson showed here to regain a place, that’s key.

Gareth Southgate hailed the atmosphere generated by England supporters at Old Trafford

Southgate claims Trent Alexander-Arnold reception shows the link between the team and fans

The England boss insists Buyako Saka still has competition for his place despite his hat-trick

‘Take Raheem Sterling — he’s a fighter. He’s scored an incredible amount of goals for us, important goals. There is now more competition but I will expect him to respond. He’s not been happy with this season so the part he has to get right this summer is his physical fitness and I’d expect him to be flying next year.’

On Alexander-Arnold’s midfield displays he added: ‘All of a sudden we’ve got another midfielder who will add something different. I’d have no hesitation picking him.

‘Although there will be another level of player to play against, a lot of the decisions he had to make here, he performed. The most pleasing thing is that he’s had his most enjoyable camp ever. He’s desperate to be a part of the team, he has shown everyone what he can do in that role.’

Saka, meanwhile, has shown his class off the pitch by funding vital shelters for 26 families hit by the earthquake in Turkey.

Saka has linked up with the charity organisation BigShoe to finance new accommodation after the earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey in Feburary left more than two million homeless.