STUART PEARCE gave Jack Wilshere his backing as the teen sensation became the latest Arsenal star to spark a dive controversy.
Skipper Lee Cattermole netted a late penalty after sub Wilshere went down in the box under a challenge from Daniel Georgievski.
The Macedonians surrounded Polish referee Hubert Siejewicz, claiming the Gunners starlet had dived to win the spot-kick.
Cattermole's goal got the Young Lions' Euro 2011 campaign off to a winning start in Prilep.
Macedonia coach Boban Babunski said: "I will have to see the incident again, but my players all felt it was a dive."
But England Under-21 chief Pearce hit back, insisting: "There is no way that was a dive.
"I've only seen it the once and for me it was a clear penalty.
"All credit to Jack, he is very, very clever with his feet. He was just too much for them because they were tiring.
"I asked him to put a little bit of pressure on their back line and he did exactly that."
The second-half introductions of Wilshere and wily Crystal Palace loan striker Freddie Sears saved England from a shock defeat in the 32 degree heat.
Macedonian star striker Agim Ibraimi had already gone close with a deflected free-kick before he fired a 25-yard rocket past Scott Loach on the half-hour.
Sub Sears got the equaliser in the 68th minute when he flicked the ball in from close range following a corner.
Pearce sent on Wilshere for Danny Rose four minutes later and the Arsenal wonderkid earned the penalty which Cattermole coolly converted seven minutes from time.
SUN RATINGS
ENGLAND: Loach 7, Naughton 6, Mancienne 6, Tomkins STAR MAN 8, Gibbs 7, Stanislas 6, Muamba 5 (Sears 8), Cattermole 6, Rodwell 6, Rose 6 (Wilshere 7), Sturridge 7.
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