England 7-0 North Macedonia: Bukayo Saka hits hat-trick and Harry Kane scores twice in Euro 2024 qualifier rout

Bukayo Saka scored a first career hat-trick as England brushed aside North Macedonia in a 7-0 win in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Old Trafford.

After finding the net in the first period, the 21-year-old then netted twice in four second-half minutes to help Gareth Southgate’s side extend their perfect record in Group C to four wins from four games.

Marcus Rashford also scored on his home ground on a productive night for the Three Lions. He is the first Manchester United player to score for England at Old Trafford since David Beckham managed the feat in November 2001.

It took 29 minutes for the first goal to arrive, Harry Kane with a tap-in following a cross from Luke Shaw.

Saka grabbed his first of the night following clever interchange between Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who kept his place in midfield following an impressive display in the 4-0 win over Malta on Friday.

But the biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Rashford when he converted from point-blank range with Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson claiming an assist with a clever pass.

It took England just two minutes into the second half to register again as Saka thundered home a stunner from 25 yards. He earned the match ball with a cool and composed finish after being released by Kane just four minutes later.

Kalvin Phillips was introduced from the bench to net his first international goal to put the icing on the cake before Kane completed the rout from the penalty spot.

Talking point – A treat for home fans as England sign season off in style

There was plenty for the crowd to smile about as England signed off for the season in style.

Saka netted a well-deserved first career hat-trick, Phillips grabbed his first goal for his country and Kane netted his 50th goal as England skipper. The Old Trafford supporters were even pleased for Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold who produced another excellent display in midfield.

But perhaps the most pleasing moment of the night for the local fans present was provided by Rashford, who netted his 21st goal at Old Trafford this campaign and his 16th goal in total for England.

Gareth Southgate, however, will be delighted by what he witnessed as a whole. It has been a long old season – longer than normal with the addition of the World Cup in Qatar – and yet England have shown no signs of fatigue or complacency, even in June.

Player of the Match – Bukayo Saka (England)

Some eyebrows may have been raised when Saka was included in the starting XI after he was substituted early in the second half on Friday after suffering a knock. He quickly put to rest any concerns, though, as he started the match on the front foot and ended it with the match ball.

Player ratings

England: Pickford 6, Walker 7, Stones 7, Maguire 7, Shaw 8, Rice 7, Alexander-Arnold 9, Henderson 8, Saka 10*, Rashford 8, Kane 9 Subs: Phillips 7, Grealish 7, Gallagher 6, Foden 6, Wilson N/A.

North Macedonia: Dimitrievski 3, S Ristovski 4, Zajkov 3, Velkovski 3, Ashkovski 3, Ademi 4, Bardhi 3, Elmas 4, Alioski 4, Nestorovski 4, Trajkovski 4 Subs: Bejtulai 4, Serafimov 4, Atanasov 4, Babunski 4, Babunski 4.

Match highlights

29′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 1-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (HARRY KANE): Kane scores in his sixth consecutive game for England. Henderson switches a diagonal ball to Rashford, who controls and draws out two defenders. He waits for the run of Shaw, slips through his club team-mate and he pulls it back for Kane, leaving the captain with a simple tap-in. 57 goals for Kane in an England shirt now.

38′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 2-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (BUKAYO SAKA): Saka nets his ninth goal in an England shirt! The Arsenal winger is threaded through by Kane, but he’s forced to turn his back to goal and play it to Alexander-Arnold. And then in a breath-taking exchange, the Liverpool man gives it to Walker, who feeds Saka and he takes one touch before hammering it into the roof of the net.

45′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 3-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (MARCUS RASHFORD): A goal at Old Trafford in the colours of England for Rashford! Henderson applies the pressure and forces a mistake, allowing Kane to makes the interception. Henderson gets it back and unselfishly rolls a pass into the feet of Rashford and this time he can’t miss!

47′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 4-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (BUKAYO SAKA): That is stunning from Saka! He controls a first-time curling pass from Alexander-Arnold. He cuts inside, waits the ball to bounce and then thunders it past Dimitrievski from 25 yards.

51′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 5-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (BUYAKO SAKA): A first career hat-trick from Saka! It’s far too easy for England as a simple through ball from Kane in midfield releases the Arsenal forward and he makes no mistake with his finish.

64′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 6-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (KALVIN PHILLIPS): Phillips gets his first England goal and this is turning into the perfect night for The Three Lions. Grealish is left with too much space to deliver his cross. It’s met by Kane and his touch leaves Phillips with an easy finish.

73′ – GOAL! ENGLAND 7-0 NORTH MACEDONIA (HARRY KANE, PEN): Kane nets his 50th goal as England skipper, rifling the penalty into the top corner. Seventh heaven.

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