Saka England 2022-23Getty
Thomas Hindle

England player ratings vs North Macedonia: Hat-trick hero Bukayo Saka drops finishing clinic as Three Lions continue cruise towards Euro 2024 qualification

The Arsenal winger scored three as a rampant England side battered North Macedonia to continue their perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying.

Bukayo Saka bagged his first England hat-trick, turning in a star showing as the Three Lions brushed aside a helpless North Macedonia with a 7-0 win.

Harry Kane opened the scoring, firing home from short range after a surging run and cross from Luke Shaw. Two more came in the opening period. First, it was Saka, lashing into the roof of the net after a sweeping move down the right. Marcus Rashford then provided a decisive third right before the break, continuing his strong run of form in an England shirt.

And more came after half-time. The emerging connection between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Saka continued to be productive, with the Arsenal man smashing a looping ball into the top corner for a stunning fourth.

The rout only continued, with Saka, Kalvin Phillips and Kane all finding the net to complete an emphatic evening, and inflict North Macedonia's heaviest-ever defeat.

GOAL rates England's players from Old Trafford...

  • Maguire England 2022-23Getty

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Jordan Pickford (6/10):

    Didn't face a single shot. His quietest night in a while.

    Kyle Walker (7/10):

    Rapid as ever, grabbed an assist, linked up well with Alexander-Arnold. Can still be excellent at 33.

    John Stones (6/10):

    Back to a more conventional centre-back role, and didn't really have to do much.

    Harry Maguire (6/10):

    Entrusted with another England start. Made one very funny run into the North Macedonia box.

    Luke Shaw (8/10):

    Assisted the opener, did the necessary defensive work. A player full of confidence.

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  • Jordan Henderson England North Macedonia

    Midfield

    Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):

    Once again thrived in a midfield role. Completed all-but two of his passes, assisted the fourth, and was instrumental in the build-up for two others.

    Declan Rice (7/10):

    Tidy on the day, even though he didn't have all that much to do.

    Jordan Henderson (7/10):

    Typically energetic, won the ball a lot, but probably needs a rest.

  • Marcus Rashford England North Macedonia

    Attack

    Bukayo Saka (10/10):

    Smashed one into the roof of the net with his right foot. Went even better for his second, blasting home from outside the box. Finished his hat-trick by beating the keeper in a one-on-one. A special player.

    Harry Kane (8/10):

    Bagged his 57th international goal to put England ahead - an easy tap in from close range. Scored his 58th from the spot in the second half. Also assisted Saka's third.

    Marcus Rashford (8/10):

    Grabbed the third goal, and was a menace in his standout 60 minutes. Has scored in both of his last two starts for the Three Lions.

  • Subs & Manager

    Conor Gallagher (5/10):

    Ran around a lot, but tried to do too much at times.

    Kalvin Phillips (6/10):

    An unlikely goalscorer. Good to see him get some minutes under his belt.

    Jack Grealish (6/10):

    Came on when the game was mostly finished. Does he have Southgate's full trust?

    Phil Foden (6/10):

    A few nice touches on the right. Still hasn't found his best in an England shirt.

    Callum Wilson (N/A):

    A brief cameo. Now seems to be the preferred back-up to Kane.

    Gareth Southgate (9/10):

    Back to his 4-3-3, with most of his presumptive first choice XI in the squad. The opposition were poor on the day, but he will have few complaints about such a big win.