In a thrilling display of football prowess, England’s Bukayo Saka stole the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick, propelling England to a 7-0 victory over North Macedonia. This Euro 2024 qualifier match saw England tighten their grip atop Group C, marking their fourth consecutive win. The game was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, with Saka’s performance being the cherry on top.
Saka’s Scintillating Performance
Bukayo Saka, the 21-year-old Arsenal winger, was the star of the night. His first goal was a testament to his precision and skill, lashing into the roof of the net after a sweeping move down the right.
His second, a left-foot volley, was a display of his lethal finishing. Saka completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute, running onto a through ball from Harry Kane. His performance was a beacon of hope and a testament to his potential, despite a nagging Achilles injury.
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England’s Dominant Display
England’s performance was a masterclass in football. The team refused to panic, even after a slow start, and continued to push high, penning back North Macedonia. The opening goal from Harry Kane was the trigger for England to run riot, with Saka leading the charge.
The team’s poise and belief, instilled by manager Gareth Southgate, were evident as they dismantled North Macedonia, a team that had previously won against Germany and Italy.
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England’s Player Ratings
Jordan Pickford (6/10):
Enjoyed a calm evening, with North Macedonia failing to test him with a single shot.
Kyle Walker (7/10):
His speed was on full display, and he combined well with Alexander-Arnold, even managing to bag an assist.
John Stones (6/10):
Had a relatively quiet game, with North Macedonia’s attack offering little threat.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
A steady presence in the backline, he even made a memorable run into the opposition box.
Luke Shaw (8/10):
A confident performance, providing the assist for the opening goal and fulfilling his defensive duties.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):
Excelled in a midfield role, his passing was near-perfect, and he played a key role in setting up the fourth goal.
Declan Rice (7/10):
A tidy performance, despite not having much to do.
Jordan Henderson (7/10):
His energy was infectious, winning the ball frequently, but could do with a rest.
Bukayo Saka (10/10):
The star of the show, his hat-trick was a testament to his talent and potential.
Harry Kane (8/10):
Scored twice, including the opening goal, and provided an assist for Saka’s third.
Marcus Rashford (8/10):
A constant threat, he scored the third goal and was a menace throughout his time on the pitch.
Subs & Manager
Conor Gallagher (5/10):
Energetic, but sometimes tried to do too much.
Kalvin Phillips (6/10):
Scored his first goal for England, a nice addition to his resume.
Jack Grealish (6/10):
Entered the game late, but still managed to make an impact.
Phil Foden (6/10):
Showed some nice touches, but still finding his best form in an England shirt.
Gareth Southgate (9/10):
His 4-3-3 formation worked wonders, and he’ll be pleased with such a comprehensive win.
Looking Ahead
With a perfect 12 points from four matches, England looks set for next year’s finals. The team’s dominant run of Euro qualifying stretches back to 2016, and they have won their last 12 home qualifiers by an aggregate score of 47-4.
Their next match is against Ukraine on September 9, and if their current form is anything to go by, it promises to be another exciting encounter.
England’s 7-0 rout of North Macedonia was a showcase of their strength and determination. Led by the stellar performance of Bukayo Saka, the team demonstrated their readiness for the Euro 2024 finals. As the team continues to build on their success, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches in the future.
