Bukayo Saka Sets New Arsenal Record for England as Pickford Achieves Historic Clean Sheet in Wales Win
story written by Okafor Joseph October 10,2025
Bukayo Saka and Jordan Pickford both etched their names in the record books as England cruised to a dominant 3-0 victory over Wales in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium on Thursday night.
The Three Lions, managed by Thomas Tuchel, wasted no time asserting control, netting all three goals within the opening 20 minutes. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring just three minutes in, before Ollie Watkins—standing in for the injured Harry Kane—doubled the lead in the 11th minute.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka then sealed the win with a trademark curling finish into the top corner, cutting in from the right to score England’s third.
The 24-year-old’s strike marked a major milestone, making him the highest-scoring Arsenal player in England’s history with 13 goals, surpassing club legend Cliff Bastin, who netted 12 times between 1931 and 1938.
Saka’s record-breaking goal came just days after he reached another milestone at club level—his 100th Premier League goal involvement in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham on his 200th appearance.
Speaking after the match, Saka said the goal meant a lot:
“It’s been a while since I scored for England, so it feels extra special. I just try to keep defenders guessing and mix things up.”
At the other end, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also made history by becoming the first England men’s goalkeeper to record eight consecutive clean sheets. His shutout against Wales added to previous clean sheets against Serbia, Andorra (twice), Latvia, Greece, the Republic of Ireland, and Albania.
Pickford last conceded a goal in October 2024 against Greece, maintaining a perfect record since then.
England will next face Latvia in a 2026 World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday, where a win could secure their spot at the tournament if Serbia drop points in their upcoming matches.
