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Published 19 June 2023 4 min read
England Men's Senior Team

Bukayo Saka: ‘This is a feeling I can’t really put into words…I’m so happy’.

Written by:

Frank Smith

Bukayo Saka reacts to his hat-trick as England beat North Macedonia 7-0 in their 2024 UEFA European Championship qualifier at Old Trafford

Bukayo Saka struggled to find the words to describe his emotions after scoring his first professional hat-trick during England’s emphatic 7-0 win over North Macedonia.

Gareth Southgate’s men produced one of the great Three Lions’ performances at Old Trafford as almost every player in white excelled during an unforgettable UEFA EURO 2024 qualifier.

Marcus Rashford was unplayable in the first half, Luke Shaw was rampaging alongside him, Jordan Henderson was relentless, Trent Alexander-Arnold showed his undeniable talent once again in the heart of midfield, Harry Kane extended his lead at the top of the scoring charts…the list could go on.

But it will be Saka who is likely to steal most of the headlines overnight after scoring a classy hat-trick, the first of his senior career.

Saka said: "Listen, this is a feeling I can't really put into words. There is nothing I can say to describe how I'm feeling right now. I don’t know what to say. I'm so happy.”

Neat play from Alexander-Arnold and Walker on the right-hand side in the first half allowed Saka to thump home England’s second goal of the night.

Alexander-Arnold then produced a moment of class to find Saka with a lofted ball forward early in the second half before the Arsenal man produced an emphatic dipping strike to make it 4-0.

Saka then secured the match ball when he remained composed to slot home and make it 5-0 soon after.

Saka said: "I like the first [goal] but I'll go for the second goal [as my favourite]. 

“Volley outside the box, top corner like that, I would have to choose that one.”

It was another night where Alexander-Arnold showed he can star not only at right-back but in the centre of midfield.

And whilst his long, curling ball forward for England’s fourth goal appeared to be a moment of inspiration, Saka revealed it was in fact pre-meditated.

"He is a top, top player, everyone knows that,” Saka said.

“At half-time, he said to me he was going to do that pass. When I scored I was looking for him to thank him because he did it perfectly and I didn't have to break my stride. 

“That is the quality he has and credit to him.”

Whilst Saka will receive many of the plaudits on Monday night, Rashford’s performance during the first half was exceptional as both men gave their respective full-backs a torrid opening 45 minutes.

And Saka said: "Tonight was a really special display. With me and Rashy running down the wings, we were really direct and really sharp. They couldn't really handle us and I enjoyed playing out there today."

“It is the end of the season now and I couldn't have ended it in a better way. It is time to relax and have a good break,” Saka concluded.

"It was the perfect end to the season [for England]. We're really happy. 

“The turnout and the way the fans supported us from minute one until the end, we are really happy."

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