Bukayo Saka’s Historic Hat-Trick Leads England to 7-0 Rout of North Macedonia
It was a night that 21-year-old Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka will never forget. On Monday evening, Saka scored his first career hat-trick as England continued their perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying with a 7-0 rout of North Macedonia. The adoring home crowd at Old Trafford gave Saka a standing ovation for his stellar performance, and his manager Gareth Southgate says it will “live with Saka forever”.
Saka’s First-Half Performance
Saka gave the Three Lions a 2-0 lead in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the match. His first goal came from a header off a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold, and his second was a tap-in from a pass by Marcus Rashford. Former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole described Saka as the “face of English football’s future”, and ex-Three Lions captain Steven Gerrard added: “The scary thing is he’s only going to get better.”
Sensational Second Goal
Saka’s second of the match – a magnificent left-footed drive into the top corner – came from a sensational pass by Alexander-Arnold, who kept his place in midfield after impressing in that role in Friday’s 4-0 win in Malta. Saka said of the Liverpool man: “At half-time he said to me he was going to do that pass. When I scored I was looking for him to thank him. I didn’t have to break my stride.”
Hat-Trick Completes Perfect International Break for Southgate
Saka completed his treble with four second-half minutes, earning him a standing ovation from the adoring home crowd inside Old Trafford. The 7-0 win caps a perfect international break for Southgate, who had admitted he was “conflicted” over whether to carry on with the England manager role in the wake of the Three Lions’ World Cup quarter-final defeat by France last December.
Southgate Praises Saka’s Performance
Southgate was full of praise for Saka, who had been dealing with an Achilles problem. “I’m delighted for him,” he said. “He’s had it for a few weeks and it’s an injury that just needs managing, but it would have been easy not to appear.” Southgate added that Saka had been dealing with an Achilles problem. “I’m delighted for him,” he said. “He’s had it for a few weeks and it’s an injury that just needs managing, but it would have been easy not to appear.” He continued: “I think when you then have probably one of the best nights of your life, it’s a reminder to everybody that it’s worth going through those things. He works incredibly hard. He’s talented, he’s humble, he’s hugely popular with all of the players and all of the staff – and I have to say his finishing has been like that all week. All the credit lies with him.”
Saka Reflects on Historic Night
Saka was full of praise for his colleagues, too. “Tonight was a really special display,” he said. “We went out with me and Rashy [Marcus Rashford] down the wings. Sharp, direct. They couldn’t handle us.” He added: “It’s been a really long season. I couldn’t have ended it in a better way. Now it’s time to relax and have a break.”
Conclusion
Bukayo Saka’s historic hat-trick led England to a 7-0 rout of North Macedonia on Monday evening, capping off a perfect international break for manager Gareth Southgate. Saka’s performance earned him praise from both Southgate and former Three Lions captains Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard, who described him as the “face of English football’s future”. Saka himself reflected on the night as “really special” and said he would “probably frame the match ball”. It was indeed a night Bukayo Saka will never forget.