Bukayo Saka opens up on scoring his first career hat-trick

The Arsenal and England winger opened up on his joy at scoring the first treble of his senior career.

Bukayo Saka had a night to remember as he led England to a 7-0 thrashing of North Macedonia in Monday’s Euro 2024 qualifier, scoring his first-ever hat-trick.

Despite an injury scare in the previous game against Malta, Saka was on fire from the get-go. The Arsenal attacker netted his first goal with a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. He then doubled his tally with a brilliant half-volley into the top corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pass, before completing his hat-trick just two minutes into the second half.

Saka’s second goal was a carbon copy of England’s opener against Malta, with Alexander-Arnold sending a pinpoint long pass over the top for the 21-year-old to chase and force an own goal from Ferdinando Apap. This time, however, he completed the job himself with a stunning volley from outside the box, which found the top corner of the net.

In doing so, Saka became the first Arsenal player since Theo Walcott in 2008 to score an England hat-trick, and he plans on framing his match ball after a few days of keeping it under his arm.

“I will remember this for the rest of my life. It’s a special night, big win and my first hat-trick, it’s really special,” Saka told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I will probably frame the match ball but probably hold it in my arms for a few days first.”

Saka’s hat-trick took his England goal tally to 11 in just 28 games, and the winger is eager to keep improving.

“It is a decent scoring record but there is always room for improvement. After this game, it is time for holidays now,” he added.

Harry Kane (2 goals), Kalvin Phillips, and Marcus Rashford also scored in the rout of North Macedonia. The result leaves England top of Group C with 12 points from four games, six clear of second-placed Ukraine.