Wayne Rooney becomes England’s leading goal-scorer

   An emotional Wayne Rooney became England’s all-time leading 

goal-scorer after netting his 50th international goal in a historic 2-0 

victory over Switzerland at Wembley in a Euro 2016 qualifier on 

Tuesday. With England having already qualified for next year’s 

tournament, the stage was set for their captain to surpass Bobby 

Charlton’s 45-year-old mark of 49, which he had equalled in 

Saturday’s 6-0 win in San Marino. After substitute Harry Kane 

broke the deadlock, the moment duly arrived in the 84th minute, 

Rooney crashing a penalty into Yann Sommer’s top-right corner 

and being rewarded with a standing ovation that left him wiping 

away tears.

    “It’s a great feeling,” said Rooney, 29. “I’ve been close for the 

last few games and it’s a dream come true. I was bit emotional. It’s 

a huge honour and one I am extremely proud of. “I knew it was a 

big moment and just picked my corner and put my foot through it. 

To be the record scorer before the age of 30 is nothing I could have 

imagined.” Charlton, whose Manchester United record of 249 

goals is also being eroded by Rooney, was quick to offer 

congratulations. “I would like to congratulate Wayne on becoming 

England’s leading goal-scorer,” the 77-year-old, emblem of 

England’s 1966 World Cup win, said in a statement. “I obviously 

cannot deny that I am disappointed that I now don’t hold this 

record, however, I am absolutely delighted that it is Wayne, as 

captain of my beloved club and country, who now holds this 

record.” England manager Roy Hodgson said: “I’m delighted for 

Wayne Rooney and his breaking of the record, and showing such 

courage and ability to blast it into the roof of the net. “His maturity 

has impressed me, the way he’s accepted the captaincy. He’s still 

out there working as hard as the 19- year-old making his way in 

the game.” Hodgson revealed that Rooney had been presented with 

a commemorative shirt by the Football Association and had made 

a short speech to his team-mates after the game. He is to be 

presented with a golden boot by Charlton prior to England’s next 

game against Estonia at Wembley on October 9. There were also 

messages of congratulations from United and Gary Lineker, who 

had stood second behind Charlton on 48 goals prior to Rooney’s 

goal against San Marino, which also came from the spot.