Forward Bukayo Saka achieved a significant landmark by contributing a goal that led England to a victory over Wales.
England comfortably secured a convincing 3-0 win against Wales in a friendly match at Wembley, where Bukayo Saka shone with a brilliant moment to seal the scoreline. The Arsenal winger scored the third goal for the “Three Lions” with a beautiful right-footed strike from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Karl Darlow helpless. Earlier, Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, and Ollie Watkins quickly doubled the lead.
This goal allowed Saka to increase his total goals for England to 13, surpassing the long-standing record of Cliff Bastin (12 goals) to become the Arsenal player with the most goals in the national team’s history.
Notably, this goal came almost exactly five years after his England debut, coincidentally also against Wales in October 2020. Saka’s perfectly curled shot not only ended a dominant first half but also showcased his growing influence as one of England’s most potent attacking threats.
This milestone highlights Saka’s remarkable development from a promising young talent into one of the Premier League’s most complete forwards. For Arsenal, Saka’s success with England is a great source of pride, as no other club player has scored more goals for the “Three Lions.” This achievement places him ahead of legends such as Cliff Bastin, Tony Adams, and Ian Wright, reflecting his durability, versatility, and impact on the international stage.
The rise of the 2001-born star has coincided with England’s transformation into a global powerhouse. From his breakout at EURO 2020 to his standout performances at the 2022 World Cup, he has been a key figure in England’s new “golden generation.” Under coach Thomas Tuchel, Saka continues to play a central role alongside young stars like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
The 23-year-old’s success also reflects Arsenal’s revival in nurturing top English talents. While past club legends mainly made their mark domestically, Saka’s international influence signals a new era.
To date, the Arsenal star has earned 45 caps for England and scored 13 goals, establishing himself as one of the “Three Lions’” most consistent and creative players. He scored his first international goal in June 2021 against Austria, kicking off an impressive run of scoring across all competitions he has participated in.
At EURO 2020, Saka was one of the standout young players, especially in knockout matches against Germany and Denmark. However, his journey was not without challenges; he missed a crucial penalty in the final against Italy and faced online racial abuse. Instead of succumbing, Saka overcame adversity with resilience and maturity, earning England’s Player of the Year award in 2023 and scoring a memorable hat-trick against North Macedonia in the EURO 2024 qualifiers.
At the 2022 World Cup, Saka netted three goals, including an impressive brace against Iran, confirming his ability to shine on the biggest stages. With consistent form and versatile play, he has become an indispensable asset under every England manager.
Now, under Thomas Tuchel’s leadership, Saka remains a key player; his speed, composure, and sharp tactical awareness ensure he is always the first choice when fit.