Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in England’s 7-0 rout of North Macedonia on Monday as the Three Lions won their fourth consecutive Euro 2024 qualifying match.
Captain Harry Kane scored his 57th and 58th goals for England, Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips scored at Old Trafford, and the hosts dominated the game as expected.
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“This is a sensation I cannot adequately describe. I have no words to adequately convey it. I’m just so delighted,” Saka told Channel 4.
Manager Gareth Southgate disclosed that Saka’s outstanding performance occurred in spite of an Achilles injury.
“He’s had it for a few weeks,” Southgate said at a press conference. “It is a manageable injury…when you’ve had one of the best nights of your life, it’s a reminder that it’s worthwhile to endure these difficulties.”
After accumulating a perfect 12 points and defeating Ukraine, who is in second place with six points after three matches, Italy, and Malta, England appears to have clinched a spot in the finals for the following year.
Saka’s heroic scoring performance occurred in a frenzy spanning halftime.
In the 38th minute, he scored his first goal with an angle strike into the upper corner. Just after the interval, he scored his second goal by chesting the ball down and volleying it with his left foot.
Saka completed his hat trick in the 51st minute after racing onto a Kane through ball and was then surrounded by jubilant teammates.
Southgate embraced the smiling 21-year-old with a bear grip when he was subsequently replaced.
Saka is the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick for England, and the youngest player to do so since Theo Walcott in 2008 against Croatia.
On the tails of a fantastic season for Arsenal, Monday also marked a high point after he missed the decisive penalty shot in a shootout loss to Italy in the 2021 final of the 2020 European Championship.
“This has been a very lengthy season. Saka stated, “I could not have concluded it in a better manner.” “It is time to unwind and take a vacation. We’re extremely pleased with the supporters’ attendance and support.”
Kane opened the scoring in the 29th minute, and the Tottenham star scored a second goal from the penalty spot in the second half. Rashford struck just before halftime on a Jordan Henderson cross, while Manchester City’s Phillips scored in the 64th minute.
Saka stated, “Tonight was a very special display that we put on.” “Of course, with me and Rashford sprinting down the flanks, we were very direct, and they had a hard time handling us. I thoroughly relished performing there today.”
Three days after England’s 4-0 victory over Malta on the road, the annihilation of North Macedonia added to their dominance in Euro qualifying dating back to 2016. They have won their previous 12 home qualifying matches by a combined score of 47-4.
On September 9, England will face Ukraine, while fourth-placed North Macedonia, who are struggling to equal their Euro 2020 qualifying high with three points from three matches, will host Italy. The Italians are in third place with three points through two contests.