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Bukayo Saka was the first player to score on his Birthday for the senior men’s England team since Steven Gerrard's May 2006 victory
Gareth Southgate said Bukayo Saka doesn't need closure after scoring at Wembley for the first time since missing the crucial penalty in England’s Euro 2020 loss to Italy.
Saka celebrated his 20th birthday with the fourth goal in a World Cup qualifying win against Andorra.
After the Euro 2020 final, racist abuse was directed at Arsenal's forward.
Southgate, England's boss, said that it was a wonderful moment for him to score.
He received a wonderful reception both before and during the match. It is obvious how much he is loved by the team.
Southgate consoled Saka at Wembley after the defeat by Italy two-months ago.
Southgate responded to a question about Saka's goal bringing closure to the player by saying: "From mine, he doesn’t need closure.
"With the talent he has, he's a very exciting player. There is no need for us to close the deal.
Saka has scored two goals in 11 appearances with the Three Lions. This caps a strong England performance against an Andorra team ranked 156th in Fifa rankings.
Southgate made 11 substitutions and made a debut for Patrick Bamford, Leeds United's forward. Jude Bellingham and Sam Johnstone were their first competitive starts for the country.
England took the lead through Jesse Lingard, but England fans had to wait until the 72nd minutes for the next goal, a penalty from substitute Harry Kane.
Lingard from Manchester United added the third goal before Saka's goal was met with huge cheers.
After setting up Jesse Lingard's goal for England's third goal, Bukayo Saka scored one goal and one assist to win the match.
"The perfect birthday gift"
Saka stated that the "really happy" feeling he got from the team during and before the game made him feel.
He said that it showed how proud they were of me, and that that meant a lot to him.
"It means everything that they support me.
"This is what I want, playing at Wembley before my family and this crowd and scoring my 20th birthday."
Southgate said, "I had a longer catch up with him a few days ago. "All of my thoughts about the summer are positive."
England has five wins from five in World Cup qualifying, and will now travel to Poland for Wednesday’s qualifier in Warsaw.
"Bellingham is world-class"
England's first Wembley appearance after Euro 2020 was not a vintage performance.
Bellingham, an 18-year old midfielder, impressed with his energetic performance.
Matthew Upson, a former England defender, described the Borussia Dortmund player’s behavior as "infectious".
Jude Bellingham made his second England debut and was his first competitive fixture.
His energy was vital to the game. It required players to be driven, and Bellingham has that," Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
He is world-class, I think. He is so impressive to me."
