Bukayo Saka was involved in England’s opening goal on Sunday, after it was suggested earlier in the week that he’s part of the team’s five-player leadership group.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Serbia at Wembley Stadium on November 13, 2025. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Speaking to the media last week, England captain Harry Kane suggested that both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are part of the team’s leadership group right now.
“We have some newer leaders coming through, rather than some of the guys like Walks (Kyle Walker) and Harry Maguire, who were a big part of the leadership group in the past,” Kane began.
“We’ve got new ones like Marc (Guehi) and Jude (Bellingham) and Bukayo (Saka), Dec (Rice) obviously.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Declan Rice of England in action during the International Friendly between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Having scored the opener against Serbia earlier in the week, Saka didn’t initially have to take on much responsibility on Sunday as England faced Albania, given he was named on the bench.
But coming on in the 62nd minute with the scores still level at 0-0, Saka ended up helping to break the deadlock once again.
It was the Arsenal winger’s corner that reached Kane via a deflection, with the striker poking home for 1-0. Kane then doubled the lead eight minutes later, and the match finished 2-0.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England scores his team's third goal during the International Friendly between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on October 09, 2025. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Rice and Eberechi Eze had started the match, and the good news was that they both came off around the hour mark with no sign of any injury concerns.
The 2-0 result didn’t mean much to England, with the team already having qualified for the World Cup in October. But it’s always good to keep winning matches.
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