Bukayo Saka scored the first hat-trick of his career as England thrashed North Macedonia seven goals to nill at Old Trafford, making it four wins out of four Euro 2024 qualifiers.
England initially had it tough with the strong Macedonian defense but the hail of goals started after captain Harry Kane scored his 57th international goal – from a Luke Shaw’s cross.
Nine minutes later, Saka scored the second from Kyle Walker’s pass and Marcus Rashford scored a third on the stroke of half-time.
Saka controlled a perfect long pass by Trent Alexander-Arnold before sending a left-foot strike high past keeper Stole Dimitrievski two minutes after half-time.
He completed his landmark hat-trick after racing clear on to Kane’s pass, prompting Southgate to make a host of changes which allowed substitute Kalvin Phillips to get in the act with a simple tap-in to make it six.
Kane scored his second goal in the game with 17 minutes left after John Stones had been fouled as England went on a goal rampage to record their biggest win since the 10-0 victory over San Marino in November 2021, and gave North Macedonia’s heaviest defeat.
Saka grows into a more accomplished England footballer with every game and it was clear just how popular Arsenal’s 21-year-old is with his team-mates by their show of sheer joy when he completed his hat-trick.