![]() They combined in the build-up to England's first goal in Malta and were involved in the real X-factor moment of this win against North Macedonia just after half-time.Īs he did in Malta, Alexander-Arnold picked out Saka with a perfect long pass. It has been a resounding success, especially as he appears totally tuned in to the same wavelength as Saka. Southgate's decision to deploy Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield was the big experiment and talking point of these two qualifiers. It is still possible, however, to admire the quality of England's work and it is beyond question that Southgate has scintillating attacking talent at his disposal.Īnd the star of this particular show was Saka, with one particular relationship building in this team and already showing signs of bringing rich dividends for England in times to come. It is dealing with elite opposition where England's problems have arisen and they may not get the chance to truly test themselves until they get to Germany for next year's Euros. We must apply the usual caveat, though, as the standard of opposition - both here and in the 4-0 win in Malta on Friday - was decidedly sub-standard. Southgate decided to carry on after England lost the quarter-final to France in Qatar - and just one look at the quality at his disposal makes it easy to see why. Bukayo Saka scored the first hat-trick of his senior career in England's 7-0 win over North Macedonia ![]() It ended in a 4-0 thrashing by Hungary in a Uefa Nations League game at Molineux - a defeat and performance that produced such a toxic reaction from home fans that it factored into manager Gareth Southgate's thoughts as he considered whether to extend his stay after the World Cup. Can you name these England hat-trick heroes?.England 7-0 North Macedonia - read the report.This was all a far cry from the previous occasion, almost exactly a year ago, when England last played a home game away from Wembley. It would take something wholly extraordinary for England not to qualify, especially with their toughest game done and dusted following victory over Italy in Naples. The whole stadium rose to Saka when he was substituted, and did so again for England after a richly entertaining romp to victory made it four wins from four in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
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