Video: Wayne Rooney's speech after becoming England's top goalscorer in history
England captain Wayne Rooney became the Three Lions’ highest goalscorer ever when he scored in England’s 2-0 win over Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday night. Rooney had broken Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing record of 49 goals and dispatched a penalty to move ahead of the England World Cup-winning legend.
When the Manchester United striker went to the dressing room after the game, he was greeted with applause and cheers from his teammates as Roy Hodgson presented him with an England shirt with the number 50 printed on it.
"The FA have done well to get a shirt named up with the number 50 on the back, a small present for someone who has scored 50 goals but it is a gesture I suppose," Hodgson said, according to ESPN. “The players greeted him with great delight while that shirt was given to him.
“I provoked him to give a speech, a very good speech but fairly short, as it should be. The one thing I can tell you about it was how proud he was to have achieved that, how determined he is not to stop at 50. That was good.”
Rooney expects England youngsters to beat his mark
The 29-year-old was quick to thank everyone responsible who helped him achieve such a big landmark in his career.
“Thank you to everybody, coaches, players, staff I've worked with such a long time," he said in front of the team and manager.
“This is such a huge moment with myself, my family and my career, so hopefully for the team, for myself, a lot more to come.
Rooney pointed out youngsters like Harry Kane, Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling who he expected to either come close to his mark or even break his record in the future.
“We can be successful and hopefully there's a lot of the young lads, Harry coming through, Ross, Raheem coming through, can come close and even pass me in the future, so I'm grateful. It means the world to me. Thank you very much."
Sir Bobby Charlton congratulates Rooney
After Rooney broke his record, Sir Bobby Charlton congratulated Rooney and also said he was disappointed he didn’t have the record anymore.
Charlton said, according to BBC, "I would like to congratulate Wayne on becoming England's leading goalscorer. I have always been very proud to hold this record.
“Playing for my country was always an honour and a privilege and something I did with great pride. I obviously cannot deny that I am disappointed that I now don't hold this record, however, I am absolutely delighted that it is Wayne, as captain of my beloved club and country, who now holds this record.
“On behalf of myself and everyone at Manchester United I would like to say congratulations Wayne, this is a very proud moment for you and your family. It is a record that I am sure you will hold for a long time, and it is clear to see that you will go on scoring for your club and country for a long time to come.”