Saka at the hattrick as England thrash North Macedonia

England got its fourth win in four Euro 2024 qualification games after thrashing North Macedonia on Monday with a hattrick from Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka at Old Trafford.

The game came four days after Friday’s 4-0 win over Malta. England was out immediately from the kickoff, but it took the Three Lions 29 minutes to open the scoring as Harry Kane got the first of his brace.

Saka made it 2-0 nine minutes later before Marcus Rashford made it 3-0 going to the break. Saka took the second half by storm in the 47th minute and 51st minutes to widen the gap.

Substitute Kalvin Phillips got onto the scoresheet four minutes after the hour mark, while a 73rd-minute penalty from Kane was enough to seal a 7-0 win.

Saka now has four goals from four games in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, ending the season on a high, especially after he finished the season with fourteen goals and eleven assists in 38 Premier League games for Arsenal.

“I will remember this for the rest of my life. It’s a special night, a big win, and my first hat trick; it’s really special.

“I don’t remember the last time I scored three, even at junior levels. It is a decent scoring record (11 goals in 28 England games), but there is always room for improvement. After this game, it is time for the holidays now. I will probably frame the match ball but probably hold it in my arms for a few days first.” Saka said.

Meanwhile, matches continue on Tuesday in the Euro 2024 qualification series as Scotland hosts Georgia, Cyprus travels to Norway, Moldova vs. Poland, Austria faces Sweden, Belgium will be away at Estonia, and Iceland v Portugal in selected fixtures.

Some Selected Results on Monday:

England 7-0 North Macedonia

Turkey 2-0 Wales

Northern Ireland 0-1 Kazakhstan

Republic of Ireland 3-0 Gibraltar

France 1-0 Greece

Daniel Ademiju Idowu