Wayne Rooney could become most capped England player, says Peter Shilton
Wednesday 9 September 2015 19:55, UK
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton admits Wayne Rooney could overtake him as the Three Lions' all-time record appearance maker.
Rooney became England's all-time record goalscorer on Tuesday night, netting his 50th international goal from the penalty spot in the 2-0 Euro 2016 qualifying victory over Switzerland at Wembley.
The 29-year-old achieved the feat on his 107th international cap, bringing to an end Sir Bobby Charlton's 45-year spell as England's record scorer.
It leaves Rooney just 18 caps behind Shilton's record of 125 and only eight off England's most capped outfield player, David Beckham.
Rooney vowed earlier this week that he has no intention of quitting international football and Shilton concedes the current England captain has a chance of usurping his record.
"David Beckham got very close (to my record), but I think outfield players find it difficult to get those extra few (caps)," the 65-year-old told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I think with Wayne Rooney, if England do well in the Euros next summer and are a big success, that could be the platform for him to be involved for the next two years.
"He has already said that he doesn't want to quit and I think he's already got my record in his sights.
"But a manager after the Euros will obviously have to plan for the World Cup and Wayne Rooney will be 32 then. I think he'll go very close and, if he's in the plans for the next World Cup, he probably could beat it."
