There was a period when it seemed that Bukayo Saka’s golden season would end with him a Premier League champion, perhaps even anointed as Footballer of the Year. And if neither quite came to pass, he still conjured a fitting finish to a wonderful campaign.

The first hat-trick of his career came in just 13 minutes and in his country’s colours. As England football team’s No. 7 made off with the match ball, they scored seven. North Macedonia have claimed the scalps of Italy and Germany in their recent past but they were demolished. If this could have been a group laced with pitfalls for England, with the reigning European champions, Euro 2020 quarter-finalists and a side who almost qualified for the World Cup, they have the maximum 12 points and are turning their journey to Germany next summer into a procession.

If Saka’s last European Championships ended with the trauma of a penalty miss in the final shootout, he has rendered it highly likely England will go to next summer’s. If he started this season outside Gareth Southgate’s strongest side, he ends it very much in it. A treble took his tally to six goals in his last nine caps; for country as well as club, Saka has proved more prolific than most envisaged.

England 7-0 North Macedonia: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips also scored as Gareth Southgate’s men ran rampant at Old Trafford

England hat-trick hero Bukayo Saka to Channel 4: “It’s a feeling I can’t put into words. I can’t describe how I’m feeling right now. I’m so happy.”

Which was his favourite goal? “I like the first one but I’ll go for the second goal. Volley outside the box, top corner.

“Tonight was a really special display. We went out with me and Rashy down the wings. Sharp, direct. They couldn’t handle us.”

On Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield: “He’s a top player. At half-time he said to me he was going to do that pass. When I scored I was looking for him to thank him. I didn’t have to break my stride.

“It’s been a really long season. It’s the end of the season now. I couldn’t have ended it in a better way. Time to relax and have a break.

“Perfect end to the season. We’re really happy with the way the fans turned out and supported us.”

90 mins: There’s no added time and the full-time whistle goes with England making it four wins from four in Euro 2024 qualifying.

They’re top of C and take another giant step towards next year’s tournament. Bukayo Saka was the star with his first career hat-trick but there were goals for Harry Kane (2), Marcus Rashford and Kalvin Phillips too.

87 mins: Jack Grealish sends a corner ball short to Phil Foden who takes a touch and shoots from the edge of the box. He hits it well enough but curls the effort wide of the near post.

Will England get one more?

84 mins: With just six minutes of the match to go, North Macedonia are yet to have a shot. They’ve not created a single chance – either on or off target – which shows just how much England have dominated.

81 mins: Inside the final 10 minutes to play at Old Trafford. North Macedonia will be hoping to get off the pitch as soon as possible. Trent Alexander-Arnold has had another fine outing in midfield but there will be sterner tests to come for the Liverpool man.

78 mins: The fight has all gone out of North Macedonia as England’s substitutes look to impress and continue to hunt for goals.

Conor Gallagher and Jack Grealish have been particularly bright but Phil Foden utilising his wonderful touch on the right side.

75 mins: There’s a smile and a hug between Harry Kane and Callum Wilson as the England captain leaves the pitch. Wilson would have taken the penalty if he’d been on the pitch a minute earlier but as it was, Kane increased his record-breaking England tally.

73 mins: Harry Kane converts from the spot for his second goal of the night. North Macedonia have been hammered tonight.

England 6-0 North Macedonia

72 mins: John Stones is pulled down in the box and Harry Kane has the chance to score again.