Bukayo Saka scored a hat trick as England thrashed North Macedonia 7-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Old Trafford.
The Arsenal winger was in inspired form, scoring a fierce strike from a tight angle, a stupendous second, and then wrapping up his first hat trick for his country.
Harry Kane scored two goals, while Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips were also on the scoresheet as England made it four wins from four in qualifying.
Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Saka, who has been dealing with an Achilles issue.
"He's had it for a few weeks and it's an injury that just needs managing, but it would have been easy not to appear," the England boss said.
"I think when you then have probably one of the best nights of your life, it's a reminder to everybody that it's worth going through those things.
"To see the joy on his face, he's such a popular member of the team and so humble, works incredibly hard, and, of course, talented.
"He's been finishing like that all week, so, yeah, it was an outstanding performance."
Southgate also said that he believes Saka is now at an elite level.
"When he broke into the team at Arsenal, what struck us was that in a team that was having a difficult time he was performing at a high level," he said.
"Then when the team was playing well he was still a key player and performing at a high level.
"So, that says a lot about his mentality, his ability to deal with pressure and that's the environment that we're in all the time. He's exceptional to work with."
The win means that England are all but certain to qualify for next summer's Euros.
Macedonia were blown away at Old Trafford, and their head coach Blagoja Milevski apologized to the nation for their performance.
"Before we start the press conference, I want to apologize to the whole of the Macedonian nation for our performance and what we did tonight," he said.
"I make decisions for every player who plays and the responsibility is just mine so I have to apologise to the whole of the Macedonian nation.
"It happens that these disastrous moments happen and we are all involved in it. I take all the responsibility for today's game."
Here are some additional details from the article:
- Saka's goals in the final match of this unprecedented season mean it is a matter of when rather than if England wraps up qualification for next summer's Euros.
- There were few signs of fatigue at a rocking Old Trafford, where Macedonia suffered their heaviest-ever defeat.
- Head coach Blagoja Milevski apologized to the nation for their performance.
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