REVEALED: Why England might NEED to win their dead-rubbers against Malta and North Macedonia despite already qualifying for Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate is planning to pick strong teams for England’s European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia this week with his side needing two victories to ensure they are seeded for next summer’s finals. 

England secured their place at the tournament in Germany with an impressive victory over Italy last month, but Southgate is eager to be seeded which would enable them to avoid the likes of France and Germany in the group stages.

Germany are automatically given top seeding as hosts, with five other spots available to the best qualifiers. 

Ahead of the final round of qualifiers France, Belgium, Portugal, Slovenia and Denmark currently have more points than England, who have taken 16 points from their six matches.

Victories over Malta and North Macedonia should be enough for England to secure top seeding, as Slovenia and Denmark are in the same group. 

In addition England have a superior goal difference to Romania and Turkey, who also have 16 points.

Southgate’s staff have already begun scouting training camps and hotels in Germany, but the FA will not make a final decision on where to base themselves until after the draw in Hamburg on 2 December. 

Southgate has preferred to stay in remote locations away from fans and other city centre distractions in the previous two tournaments he has managed outside England, the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar.