Arsenal midfielder Bukayo Saka found the back of the net three times as England thrashed North Macedonia 7-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifiers at Old Trafford on Monday night.
The Anglo-Nigerian forward scored the Three Lions’ second, fourth, and fifth goals of the match to claim his first-ever career hat-trick and take his international tally to eleven goals.
He became the youngest player and the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick for England since Theo Walcott in September 2008.
21 – Aged 21 years & 287 days, Bukayo Saka is the youngest player – and first Arsenal player – to score an England men's hat-trick since Theo Walcott (19y 178d) v Croatia in September 2008. Firepower. pic.twitter.com/sl80DBtOqK
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 19, 2023
Tottenham Hotspur marksman Harry Kane opened the scoring for Gareth Southgate’s team inside the first 29 minutes of the match with a left-footed finish from close range.
Seven minutes later, Saka made it two for the home side with a ferocious right-footed strike from inside the 18-yard box.
Hometown boy Marcus Rashford, who was playing in his club’s ground, made it three shortly later, tapping into an empty net after fine work down the left for England. The 25-year-old became the first Manchester United player to score for England at Old Trafford since David Beckham in November 2001.
2001 – Marcus Rashford is the first Manchester United player to score for England at Old Trafford since David Beckham against Sweden in November 2001. Theatre. pic.twitter.com/e3JdkGSFFj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 19, 2023
However, two minutes after the restart, Saka bagged his brace with another world-class finish. The Gunners forward latched onto the ball with his left foot, sending it into the top left corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
The Hale End Academy graduate completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute with a calm finish past North Marcedonia’s Stole Dimitrievski.
Substitute Kalvin Phillips made it six for England just five minutes after coming on for Declan Rice, while Kane also got his second with a beautifully taken penalty after John Stones was brought down in the box.
The victory continues England’s perfect record in Group C of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, with four wins from four games.
