England football team captain Wayne Rooney made history in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday by breaking Bobby Charlton’s all-time England goal scoring record.
Rooney had equalled Charlton’s tally of 49 with a penalty in the victory against San Marino on Saturday that ensured a place in France next summer, reported media on Tuesday. And he was on the spot again during Tuesday’s match against the Swiss for goal number 50 to erase a record that has stood for 45 years.
England substitute Harry Kane pierced the deadlock with a crisp finish after 67 minutes and Rooney rewrote the record books with a thunderous penalty six minutes from time, earning a standing ovation from the Wembley gallery.
As he celebrated the crowd of 75,751 crowd inside Wembley – joined by team manager Roy Hodgson and his backroom team – rose to acclaim the 29-year-old as he was engulfed by team-mates.
Even the travelling Swiss fans generously recognised the significance of the moment. History had been made.
It ensured his side completed eight wins out of eight, securing top spot in Group E.