Wayne Rooney made history this evening by becoming England’s all-time record scorer with his 50th international goal in their 2-0 victory over Switzerland in Euro 2016 qualifying.
The Three Lions captain scored the second goal at Wembley to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s 45-year long record as Roy Hodgson’s side maintained their 100% record this campaign.
Rooney went level with Charlton on 49 goals in Saturday’s 6-0 thrashing of San Marino, but was substituted by Hodgson before he had the chance to make the record his own.
But it was perhaps fitting that the landmark moment happened in front of his home fans, who cheered in anticipation as soon as referee Gianluca Rocchi awarded an 84th-minute penalty.
Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling went down under the challenge of Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, and Rooney stepped up to hammer the spot kick into the back of the net.
Substitute Harry Kane had earlier put the hosts on their way to a victory which guarantees them top spot in Group E with a 67th-minute opener, which took his international tally to three goals in four games.
But the Tottenham Hotspur striker will do well to have an England career half as prolific as Rooney’s.
The 29-year-old made his debut in 2003, and opened his account against Macedonia later that year.
Of his 50 goals for the Three Lions – 30 have come in qualification for either the World Cup or European Championships, 14 in international friendlies, and six in the finals of major tournaments (Sky Sports).
His scoring ratio of 0.47 goals per game narrowly betters that of Charlton (0.46), but does not compare particularly well to that of fellow strikers Gary Lineker (0.60) or Jimmy Greaves (0.78).
But, in terms of sheer quantity, Rooney is unrivalled and may yet add a few more to his tally.
SEE MORE:
England players rated from 2-0 victory: Man United pair shine on Rooney’s record-breaking night
Gareth Bale transfer latest: Welshman sends message addressing Man United rumours
Man United SUPERSTAR promises NEVER to walk away from England
COMMENTS