Bukayo Saka has equalled a club record that has stood for 86 years – our highest scorer for the England national men’s team.
Our winger netted his 12th goal for the Three Lions in the win over Switzerland on Saturday, bringing him level with Cliff Bastin’s haul for his country, which he racked up from 21 appearances between 1931 and 1938.
Saka’s dozen has come from 37 games. He made his debut in a 3-0 win over Wales on October 8, 2020, at the age of 19. Bastin – nicknamed Boy Bastin at the time – was also just 19 when he made his England debut.
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Saka’s first goal for his country came against Austria on June 2, 2021, in a 1-0 friendly win, ahead of the European Championships later that summer. His next three goals were all in World Cup qualifiers at the end of 2021 – in big wins home and away against Andorra and away to San Marino.
That helped England qualify comfortably for the finals in Qatar, and Saka netted twice in the opening match for Gareth Southgate’s side – a 6-2 win over Iran. He also netted in the 3-0 Round of 16 win over Senegal.
He scored four goals in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign last year – including a hat-trick against North Macedonia at Old Trafford in June.
The record-equalling goal came in England’s fifth game at Euro 2024 in Germany – a timely late equaliser to take the game to extra-time and ultimately a successful penalty shootout. It was Saka’s first goal at the European Championships after not registering in his four appearances at Euro 2020. As well as his 12 England goals, he’s also contributed four assists. His successful spot kick in the shootout on Saturday does not count towards his official tally.
Saka, who turns 23 in September, also netted for England at under-16, 17, 18 and 19 levels. He only played once for England under-21s.
Overall, our winger is one of 29 Arsenal players who have scored for the England senior side while representing the club. Declan Rice – who assisted Saka’s record-equalling goal – could become the 30th. Here’s our all-time top 10, and the period in which they scored their first and last goals.
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