Wayne Rooney Makes England Goal-Scoring History

Wayne Rooney made English football history when he broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time international goal-scoring record in front of 75,751 fans at Wembley. The news was reported by Sky Sports.

Rooney scored a penalty against San Marino last week to equal Charlton’s record of 49 international goals, as reported by the Inquisitr. At Wembley, Rooney was on hand to convert a late penalty, one that would launch him into the England record books with his 50th England goal. All eyes were on Rooney for the game, with both teams playing out an even performance. England, who edged the result 2-0 against Switzerland, have already qualified for Euro 2016 and are now unbeaten in 8 games during qualification.

Rooney’s goal erased a record that has stood proud for 45 years.

However, for 8o minutes, it looked like Rooney was going to be denied his moment in front of his fellow countrymen. Switzerland controlled Roy Hodgson’s England side at every turn, until the resistance was broken late on.

Harry Kane, a 57th minute substitute, scored his third goal in four qualifying games with a deft finish into the bottom corner. Raheem Sterling cut the ball back across the penalty box to the England youngster, one who is hotly tipped to follow in Rooney’s footsteps as the next top England goalscorer. When Sterling was brought down in the box on 84 minutes, the crowd roared in anticipation and watched as Rooney collected the ball, stepped up, and slammed the penalty past Yann Sommer, who got a slight touch. As Rooney celebrated, the crowd of 75,751 at Wembley gave him a standing ovation, with celebrities, backroom staff, and even Swiss fans recognising the significance of the moment.

Rooney celebrated the feat with his teammates and manager after the game and took to Twitter to celebrate with the fans and his wife, Coleen.

Huge honour to be record goal scorer @england. A night I'll never forget. Thanks every1 who has helped along the way pic.twitter.com/J4MtfOi4nw

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) September 8, 2015

With Rooney making history and qualification guaranteed, England manager Roy Hodgson experimented with a young England side and was eager to see other strikers challenge his record-making captain.

Harry Kane, 21, who has a blank sheet for Tottenham so far this season, is making a name for himself as an impact substitute. The youngster looks composed at international level, with two goals in a week for his country, and has the type of game that could make a difference for England in Euro 2016. His celebration mimicked another England great, Alan Shearer — could it be a sign of things to come and could Rooney have a contender for his record within a few years?

Despite an early injury to Fabian Delph, bright moments were provided by Manchester United duo Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw, both of whom were excellent in defence. Both players are maturing for club and country, which can only benefit a young England side with such high-profile tournaments on the horizon. Raheem Sterling was lively as ever in a season that is fast becoming one of his most prolific. With this sort of performance, England will always have an attacking edge. Ross Barkley and Jonjo Shelvey, who shined in San Marino last week, faded in and out of a game that will be overshadowed by Rooney’s extraordinary feat.

Wayne Rooney has made history. Now, can he guide England to tournament glory? Only time will tell, but on this form, the England fans will be hopeful.

[Image – Getty Images/Richard Heathcote – The FA]