England winger Bukayo Saka has said he will never forget his first career hat-trick for the Three Lions, having sealed the feat in praiseworthy fashion on Monday night.
Saka was declared fit to start the game despite coming off after just 45 minutes of Friday’s 4-0 win over Malta due to an injury scare.
The Arsenal was the star of the show as he netted thrice in the 7-0 thrashing of Macedonia.
Saka proud after first career hat-trick
“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.”
“I don’t remember the last time I scored three even at junior levels. It is a decent scoring record (11 goals in 28 England games) but there is always room for improvement. After this game, it is time for holidays now.”
“Tonight was a really special display. We went out with me and Rashy [Marcus Rashford] down the wings. Sharp, direct – they couldn’t handle us. It’s been a really long season. I couldn’t have ended it in a better way. Now it’s time to relax and have a break.”
At only 21 years and 287 days, Bukayo also became the youngest player to net a hat-trick for England since Theo Walcott, who managed the feat aged 19 against Croatia in 2008.
It marks off yet another brilliant campaign for Bukayo Saka, who was once again one of Arsenal’s top names. He continues to see his reputation sour high and is surely one of the top right wingers in world football.
He recently signed a new contract with the Gunners and is now set to be the club’s top earner as a reward for his consistency over the past few seasons. Still only 21, Saka still has a lot of potential to even do better and Arsenal know they have a gem on their hands.
Elsewhere on Monday night, Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Romania.
Two goals from Zeki Amdouni seemed like the game was out of sight for the hosts but in the 89th minute Valentin Mihaila pulled one back, before he scored a second two minutes into stoppage-time to salvage a draw.
