This was Barton's first international recognition and he certainly made the most of it. His first half performance was the only bright spot for England in a disappointing 1-1 draw. After losing to Portugal, England are now up against it to qualify for the Euro Championships.
England dominated the first period, scoring on 35 minutes through Sheffield United defender, Phil Jagielka. However, it was a different story after the break with Macedonia snatching an equaliser on the hour after a blunder by Chris Kirkland, in the England goal.
Manager David Platt, introduced Wright-Phillips for Jermaine Pennant just after the equaliser but he couldn't help England to a winner.
Barton was thrust into the U21's set-up after injuries to regular midfielders Michael Carrick, Jermaine Jenas and David Prutton. And he may get another chance to stake a claim for a regular spot himself in Tuesday's qualifier against Portugal at Goodison Park.
Visit Manchester City mad to see how he gets on.
England line-up: Kirkland; Johnson, Jagielka, Clarke, Konchesky (c); Pennant (Wright-Phillips), Barton, Sidwell, Tonge (Defoe); Jeffers, Ameobi. Unused subs: Hibbert, Grant, Davies, O'Neil, Zamora. At Cair Stadium, Skopje.