San Marino 0-6 England: Five talking points as Rooney equals scoring record
Sunday 6 September 2015 12:43, UK
Wayne Rooney equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's scoring record with his 49th goal for England as they qualified for Euro 2016 with a 6-0 win over lowly San Marino.
Ross Barkley, Harry Kane and Theo Walcott were also on target as England made it seven matches unbeaten in Group E, securing qualification with three games to spare.
A side ranked 193rd in the world by FIFA could not provide a true test of England's credentials, but there were still plenty of positives for Hodgson. Here, we round up the top talking points from the Stadio Olimpico…
Rooney almost there
Rooney's substitution early in the second half ensured he will have to wait to eclipse Charlton's total, but he spoke of his pride at equalling the record. "It's a proud moment," he told Sky Sports. "To be there sitting at the top with him in terms of goals is a great achievement and something I'm very proud of." Rooney still splits opinion like few other players, but it is only a matter of time until he hits that historic 50th goal. His record is unlikely to be beaten any time soon, and for that alone he deserves legendary status.
Shelvey shines
Jonjo Shelvey's impressive form with Swansea was rewarded with his first England appearance since 2012. The 23-year-old made the most of his opportunity in central midfield as he claimed an assist, had more touches (122), and played more passes (109) than anyone else on the pitch. In the Sky Sports News HQ studio, former England striker Luther Blissett liked what he saw. "He did the things that you see him do week-in, week-out for Swansea," he said. "He is positive with his passing and I thought he had a very good game today." Shelvey has given Hodgson something to think about.
Kane and Walcott
Harry Kane and Theo Walcott have endured difficult starts to the domestic season, but they made the most of this opportunity to rediscover some form in front of goal as they came off the bench after the break. Kane's delicate chipped finish was a thing of beauty, and Walcott scored seconds later with his first touch before adding a second with a cool finish from Ross Barkley's pass. In truth, he probably should have had a hat-trick in the closing stages. Tottenham and Arsenal will be hoping these goals can have a knock-on effect in the Premier League.
Barkley off the mark
At the opposite end of the scoring scale to Rooney, Barkley got his first international goal on his 15th appearance for the Three Lions. The Everton youngster impressed at No 10 with a typically dynamic performance. He drove forward at every opportunity and played more key passes (four) than anyone else. Barkley took his goal well, and his pass for Walcott's second goal was also well executed. If he continues to impress for club and country, he could have a big role to play when the tournament gets underway in France next summer.
Tougher tests ahead
Victory over San Marino was never in doubt, and England know the true tests are still to come. Indeed, after reflecting on his record-equalling goal, Rooney's attentions immediately turned to what lies ahead. "We have to get better," he told Sky Sports after the game. "We've done what we set out to do, which is to qualify, but we still have to improve if we are going to do well in the tournament next year." Tuesday's game against Switzerland will provide more clues for Hodgson as he shapes his plans for next summer.
