Saka Sets New Record in England’s 86-Year Football History

Bukayo Saka has made history as England’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing a record that had stood for 86 years. His landmark goal came during an international friendly against Wales at Wembley, aiding his team to a 3-0 victory.
Saka Breaks 86-Year Record
With his stunning goal, Saka has eclipsed the previous record held by Cliff Bastin, who netted 12 goals for the national team. Saka’s first goal for England occurred 1,562 days prior, against Austria in June 2021.
Bastin’s Legacy
- Bastin debuted for England in May 1933.
- His last goal came against France in May 1938.
Interestingly, Saka scored his record-breaking goal against Wales, the very team he debuted against on October 8, 2020. This coincidence highlights the synergy between Saka’s career milestones and the iconic matchups in his journey.
Milestones in Saka’s Career
Saka has reached several significant milestones since his debut. He was named England’s Player of the Year for the 2021/22 season and won the honor again for the 2022/23 season. Notably, he scored three crucial goals during the FIFA World Cup, including key contributions in matches against Iran and Senegal.
Key Goals Overview
Opponent | Date | Competition |
---|---|---|
Austria | June 2, 2021 | Friendly |
Andorra | September 5, 2021 | World Cup qualifier |
Andorra | October 9, 2021 | World Cup qualifier |
San Marino | November 15, 2021 | World Cup qualifier |
Iran | November 21, 2022 | World Cup 2022 |
Senegal | December 4, 2022 | World Cup 2022 |
North Macedonia | June 19, 2023 | Euro 2024 qualifier |
Switzerland | July 6, 2024 | Euro 2024 |
Wales | October 9, 2025 | Friendly |
In addition to his record-breaking goal tally, Saka is one of 31 players who have scored for England while being contracted to Arsenal. This milestone demonstrates the club’s rich contribution to national team success.
As Bukayo Saka continues to excel, fans eagerly anticipate further achievements from this remarkable player and his contributions to English football.