LONDON — Wayne Rooney hit the penalty kick so hard that he was able to force it into the roof of the Swiss net, despite the goalkeeper’s getting his hand on the ball. And with that, Rooney became the first, and only, player to score 50 goals for England.
The country began playing international matches in 1872.
Up until Tuesday night, Rooney shared the scoring record with Bobby Charlton, who many would argue is the greatest Englishman to have played soccer.
“I speak to Sir Bobby a lot,” said Rooney, “but never about his records. He comes into the Manchester United dressing room and talks to us all, and it’s a huge, exciting, proud moment for me to finally achieve this.