Bukayo Saka makes history with England goal against Wales as Arsenal star becomes club's top scorer for Three Lions

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Bukayo Saka etched his name into history on Thursday night, becoming Arsenal’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer for England after netting a stunning strike against Wales. Just a day after celebrating five years since his Three Lions debut, the 23-year-old produced a trademark curling finish to register his 13th goal for the national team and surpass Gunners' legend Cliff Bastin’s record.

Saka etches his name in England and Arsenal history books

England eased past Wales in a commanding 3-0 friendly victory at Wembley, with Saka providing the moment of magic that sealed the win. The Arsenal winger scored England’s third of the night with a sensational right-footed effort from the edge of the box, leaving goalkeeper Karl Darlow with no chance. Earlier in the evening, Morgan Rogers had opened the scoring inside three minutes before Aston Villa teammate Ollie Watkins doubled the lead soon after.

Saka's strike took his England tally to 13 goals, surpassing Bastin’s long-standing record of 12 to become Arsenal’s top-scoring men’s player in Three Lions history. The goal came almost exactly five years after the Gunners star made his England debut — coincidentally against Wales — in October 2020.  Saka’s curling effort not only capped off a dominant first-half display but also underlined his growing influence as one of England’s most decisive attacking outlets.

Bukayo Saka Arsenal 2024-25 Champions League

Saka: Putting Hale End back on the map

Saka’s milestone underscores his evolution from a talented teenager to one of the Premier League’s most complete forwards. For Arsenal, his success with the Three Lions represents a proud moment — no player in the club’s history has contributed more goals to England’s cause. It’s a record that places him ahead of icons like Bastin, Tony Adams, and Ian Wright, reflecting his unique blend of longevity, versatility, and impact on the international stage.

His rise has coincided with England’s transformation into a global powerhouse. From breaking through during Euro 2020 to starring at the 2022 World Cup, Saka has been a constant presence in England’s new golden generation. Under new boss Thomas Tuchel, he remains central to the system, in a team built around young stars like himself, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.

The 23-year-old’s achievements also highlight Arsenal’s resurgence as a producer of elite English talent. While many of the club’s past stars made their mark in domestic competitions, Saka’s sustained impact on the international stage marks a modern shift — proof that Arsenal’s Hale End academy continues to nurture players capable of leading their country.

Saka's Three Lions journey - highs and lows

Saka has amassed 45 caps and scored 13 goals, evolving into one of the Three Lions’ most consistent and creative forces. His first international goal came in June 2021 against Austria, marking the beginning of a prolific run that has seen him score in every major competition he’s played.

At Euro 2020, Saka was one of England’s breakout stars, shining in knockout games against Germany and Denmark. His journey, however, was not without adversity — he missed the decisive penalty in the final against Italy, prompting widespread support after suffering racial abuse online. Rather than letting the setback define him, Saka responded with maturity, becoming England’s Player of the Year in 2023 and netting a memorable hat-trick against North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying.

At the 2022 World Cup, he scored three goals, including a brilliant brace against Iran, proving his ability to perform on football’s biggest stage. His consistency and versatility have made him indispensable for every England manager he’s played under. Now, under Tuchel, Saka’s role remains vital — his pace, composure, and tactical intelligence make him one of the first names on the team sheet whenever fit.

England v Wales - International Friendly

Saka key to England's 2026 World Cup hopes

Saka’s record-breaking goal further solidifies his place as one of England’s modern greats, and with several years ahead of him, the tally is likely to grow. He will now turn his focus to England’s upcoming fixtures as Tuchel continues fine-tuning his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With qualification virtually secured, the manager is expected to keep building around the Arsenal man’s creativity and cutting edge.