The Three Lions ensured qualification for the 2016 European Championships in France with a comfortable win against San Marino in Serravalle on Saturday
England maintained their 100% record in Group E with a 6-0 drubbing of minnows San Marino on Saturday, with Wayne Rooney equalling Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 goals thanks to a first-half penalty. The 29-year-old now has the opportunity to become the all-time leading goalscorer for his country as well as to get his 50th goal, when the Three Lions take on Switzerland on Tuesday night at Wembley.
Ross Barkley, Theo Walcott and Harry Kane also got themselves on the scoresheet, with the Arsenal FC forward bagging a brace. John Stones, Jonjo Shelvey and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy were handed starts as promised before the game by England coach Roy Hodgson, with the Swansea midfielder in particular impressing in his deeper midfielder role.
Praise for Rooney, Shelvey and Walcott
Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and Arsenal FC winger Theo Walcott received unanimous praise on social media for their roles in England’s 6-0 win, whilst Wayne Rooney received well-deserved plaudits for his milestone goal.
The Manchester United captain entered a TV studio for an interview following the match in somewhat questionable attire, and unsurprisingly was the butt of several jokes following the appearance. Another interesting statistic that emerged from the game is that England have been the beneficiaries of 49 own goals following the one scored by San Mario on Saturday, something fans were also quick to use in their jokes on social media.
Tonight not the time for cynicism over Rooney. Time to celebrate one of England’s great goalscorers http://t.co/xwr2xSD4GL @MailSport
a Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) September 5, 2015
Rooney’s quest for 50 in context: only 43 footballers have ever scored 50+ international goals in their careers, all nations combined, ever. a sportingintelligence (@sportingintel) September 5, 2015
England goals in friendlies: Rooney 14 Lineker 26 Charlton 22 Don’t believe the hype. Rooney a fantastic goalscorer, deserves this accolade
a Charlie Skillen (@charlieskillen) September 5, 2015
Congratulations #Rooney equalling Sir Bobby Charlton record of 49 goals in 106 games for #ENG & the best is yet to come #Wazza a Omid Djalili (@omid9) September 5, 2015
Only just seen the highlights from the San Marino game – lovely finish from Kane and great stuff from Walcott.
a GreenSwizzleWooster (@GSWooster) September 6, 2015
The day Walcott stays fit and comes to terms with the fact that his best football comes from the right wing, few will be able to better him. a Mahmoud Jaber (@MahmuudJaber) September 5, 2015
Only San Marino etc but Shelvey looked decent for . #eng in deep midfield with some of his passing. Encouraging, though he was rarely pressed.
a Henry Winter (@henrywinter) September 6, 2015
Jonjo Shelvey is a phenomenal passer of the ball. Brilliant midfielder. a Oliver Lilly (@OJLilly) September 5, 2015
Did I just seen rooney in the studio sporting a pair of nike air jerusalem’s with a pair of socks?
a Dai Jones (@DaiJones) September 5, 2015
Rooney sporting some snappy flip flops in the ITV studio! pic.twitter.com/LL0s5IQt7A a Asher McShane (@ashermcs) September 5, 2015
Cristian Brolli’s own goal means that ‘Own goals’ are now joint level top with Rooney & Charlton in the history of the England team with 49
a Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceIndy) September 5, 2015
So OWN GOAL has 49 goals for England. Same as Wayne Rooney. a Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) September 5, 2015