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MANCHESTER. — England’s Bukayo Saka netted a hat-trick in a 7-0 rout of North Macedonia as they tightened their grip atop group C in Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday night with a fourth consecutive victory.
Captain Harry Kane, with his 57th and 58th goals for his country, Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips all scored at Old Trafford in a game the hosts dominated as predicted.
England look set for next year’s finals after amassing a perfect 12 points having also beaten Ukraine, who are second on six points from three matches, Italy and Malta.
Saka’s scoring heroics came in a flurry straddling half-time.
His first goal in the 38th minute was an angled shot into the top corner. His second just after the break came after he chested the ball down and struck a left-foot volley.
Saka completed his treble in the 51st minute after running onto a through ball from Kane and then was swamped by joyous teammates.
England manager Gareth Southgate wrapped the grinning 21-year-old in a bear hug when he was substituted minutes later.
England next play Ukraine on 9 September when fourth-placed North Macedonia, who have three points from three matches, host Italy, who are third with three points from two games. — AFP
Online Reporter