After scoring his 50th goal for England, Wayne Rooney pumped his fists. He had made history again, further cementing his status as an English legend.
The 29-year-old Manchester United forward collected the milestone in his 107th cap, a 2-0 win over Switzerland. The penalty kick goal moved Roony past Charlton, who had 49 goals in 106 caps.
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Now Rooney can set his sights on Peter Shilton’s English record of 125 caps. Before the game, the striker admitted he’s planning on playing until at least the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Though you might be able to pick a note of ego in his age-related comment, Rooney was more humbled than humble brag.
From the BBC:“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I’ve been close for the last few games and it’s a dream come true. To be the record scorer before the age of 30 is nothing I could’ve imagined.”
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Rooney, who scored his first England goal against Macedonia in 2003, added: “I knew it was a big moment and just picked my corner and put my foot through it. I was bit emotional, it’s a huge honour and one I am extremely proud of.”
This is no minor milestone, especially given how hard it is to keep a place in England’s team. The irrational expectations that hover over the Three Lions unit leads to so much player and coach attrition, and Rooney is beating the odds.
While players like Gary Lineker and Jimmy Greaves boast better goals-per-game marks, what Rooney has done is extremely impressive.
