da betway: England's attacking trident combined six times to run riot against a helpless North Macedonia, with Bukayo Saka netting a hat-trick
da betano casino: In Harry Kane, England have always had one world-class goalscorer in their frontline. On Monday night, they showed that they might just have three. Kane, Saka and Marcus Rashford all scored, combining for six of seven England goals as the Three Lions battered North Macedonia to take a huge stride towards Euro 2024 qualification.
Inevitably, Kane was on the board first, finishing a neat England move down the right. But the other two took over soon after. Saka smashed one into the roof of the net from a tight angle; Rashford, not to be outdone, responded by tucking one into an empty net.
Saka went on to bag two more to complete a first career hat-trick, including a sublime effort for his brace, while Kane converted from the spot to complete a 7-0 battering.
There were other things to catch the eye on Monday night, too. Trent Alexander-Arnold once again starred in centre-midfield, while a 33-year-old Kyle Walker still sprinted up-and-down the right wing with his usual gusto. And there were perhaps some opportunities missed, with previous starters and hopeful upstarts left on the bench.
Still, the attacking trio was magnificent, and the Three Lions never really looked troubled. To think that Gareth Southgate's England used to be too defensive.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Old Trafford…
WINNER: Bukayo Saka
Arsenal fans were probably scared to see their winger's name on the teamsheet, just days after he had to be removed at half-time after a heavy knock. But he looked fit from the get-go, and turned in his most successful night in an England shirt yet, scoring his first career hat-trick.
In truth, North Macedonia made it rather easy for the winger, especially as he strode into empty space for his third. Still, he won't care. Now onto a much-deserved rest for one of the world's brightest young talents.
AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Jack Grealish
It's been four years, and the winger still doesn't seem to have Southgate's full trust. There was no real need for Grealish here, but the fact that he was yet again confined to minutes off the bench spoke volumes.
This is a refined version of the player who left Aston Villa two years ago, a theoretically more disciplined Grealish that should suit Southgate's style more. But the manager perhaps still isn't sold. He might have to fight for his spot in the months, and even years, to come.
WINNER: Trent Alexander-Arnold
And so the discourse continues… Is Alexander-Arnold a right-back? Is he a No.8? Perhaps he could be a perfect deep-lying playmaker? Regardless, a midfield role in some capacity should be in the Liverpool star's future.
He was metronomic here, keeping the ball moving in an otherwise relatively slow affair, spraying passes from deep and playing one curled ball into the path of Saka for England's fourth. Southgate suggested earlier this week that a permanent switch to a similar role could finally make him an England regular. He showed exactly why on Monday evening.
GettyLOSER: Conor Gallagher
When Jude Bellingham is around and if Mason Mount regains his old form, Gallagher probably won't be in this England side. Still, if he's fighting for his long-term inclusion, he's not exactly selling himself.
Gallagher presses and runs very well, but this game required a bit more composure and poise. And while the rest of the England side were more than happy to knock the ball around, the Chelsea man tried to do a bit too much. He will still be an option, but hasn't made a case to be a regular as Euro 2024 approaches.