England confirmed their place at Euro 2016 after a routine dismissal of San Marino – but captain Wayne Rooney must wait to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time goals tally.
Rooney scored a record-equalling 49th goal with an early penalty but was surprisingly substituted by England manager Roy Hodgson with history beckoning and the San Marino defence out on its feet. He must now try again against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday.
There was still plenty for England to celebrate, though, as they made it seven wins out of seven in qualifying to ensure they will be in France next summer.
England were never under threat and it was another damage limitation exercise for San Marino, especially after Cristian Brolli headed into his own net before half-time.
Ross Barkley nodded in his first England goal after the break and England romped clear with two goals from substitute Theo Walcott and Harry Kane’s clever lofted finish.
There was general astonishment – probably shared by Rooney himself – when he was substituted after 58 minutes needing just one goal to beat Charlton’s record.
Rooney will surpass the former Manchester United player’s mark eventually and perhaps it will be more fitting should he seal it against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday rather than this quaint 6,600-capacity arena with many fans getting a free view from the hills that rise up at one end of the stadium.
It looked like the record was there for the taking when Rooney tucked away that early penalty but he had no further clear chances – although one would surely have come against a home defence that was exhausted in the last 25 minutes.
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