Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney moved to within two goals of Sir Bobby Charlton’s international scoring record after setting England on their way to an impressive 4-0 victory over Lithuania at Wembley.
Rooney put Roy Hodgson’s side in front in the Euro 2016 qualifier after just six minutes, having struck the inside of the post moments earlier with a low shot. The striker netted his 47th England goal, when he headed home after former Red Danny Welbeck had seen an effort saved, and edged ever closer to Sir Bobby’s record tally of 49. He is now one behind Gary Lineker, who sits on 48.
The skipper struck the woodwork again on 19 minutes with a looping header, and just before the break England doubled their lead when Welbeck’s goal-bound header was deflected home by Lithuanian captain Tadas Kijanskas. Rooney turned provider on 58 minutes to set up Raheem Sterling for his first international strike, before being replaced on 72 minutes by debutant Harry Kane, who netted England’s fourth within two minutes of coming on. The result keeps England well in control at the top of Group E.
Michael Carrick and Phil Jones both played the full game, while Chris Smalling was an unused substitute. England are in action again on Tuesday night for a friendly in Italy.
Meanwhile, David De Gea was an unused substitute in Spain’s 1-0 Euro 2016 qualifing win at home to Ukraine. Alvaro Morata’s 27th-minute strike proved the difference and kept the Spaniards second in Group C behind leaders Slovakia. De Gea and co. travel to the Netherlands on Tuesday for a friendly.
source:manutd.com
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 