How Twitter reacted to Rooney’s record-equaling milestone
Wayne Rooney set England on their way to guaranteed qualification to Euro 2016 with the first goal in the 6-0 victory over San Marino, which took him level with Bobby Charlton as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer.
All eyes will now turn to Tuesday’s qualifier with Switzerland to see if the record will completely belong to Rooney, but here is how Twitter reacted to the Manchester United striker moving one away from the milestone of 50 international goals:
Coleen Rooney has come to Serravalle to witness what could be a special night for husband Wayne pic.twitter.com/AB9zS5oSEu
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) September 5, 2015
Pre-game all of the talk was about whether the record would go and Rooney’s wife Coleen had even travelled to the 5,000-seater Stadio Olimpico in anticipation of the moment.
Two goals were needed for the record to be broken and it seemed on the cards when this penalty was converted inside the opening 13 minutes.
ICYMI: Rooney's penalty that puts him level with Sir Bobby Charlton for England..
https://t.co/n9Mxl5y7nq
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) September 5, 2015
However, not everyone was happy with the quality of the spot kick.
No sense of history from Rooney. Where was the Panenka?
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) September 5, 2015
Or the quality of the commentating.
"It's a lovely way for Wayne to equal Bobby Charlton's record" says Glenn Hoddle. Yes, a dodgy pen against San Marino is the stuff of dreams
— Jonathan Fowler (@JonathanFowle10) September 5, 2015
Here are England’s top scorers shown in a slightly different way.
Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton pic.twitter.com/WzM0gdFUWy
— Footy Face Swap (@FootyFaceSwap) September 5, 2015
England’s lead doubled on the half hour when Cristian Brolli headed into his own net and then there was a feeling that it would rain goals. Brolli’s misfortune also took some of the shine off Rooney’s moment.
Cristian Brolli's own goal means that 'Own goals' are now joint level top with Rooney & Charlton in the history of the England team with 49
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceIndy) September 5, 2015
But Rooney was taken off after an hour by Roy Hodgson, with the England boss wanting to give Harry Kane a run out and not wanting to risk certain players on a cutting up pitch that was more likely to cause an injury.
Others had a more sceptical view of the substitution.
Amazed to see Rooney substituted with San Marino defence out on its feet & history beckoning – suppose it may boost sales for Switzerland.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) September 5, 2015
Rooney off – a few tickets still need to be sold for Tuesday?. . .
— Charlie Wyett (@CharlieWyett) September 5, 2015
If only Rooney had taken a leaf out of David Platt’s book, he may have made it to 50 in San Marino.
It was David Platt who really nailed the celebration for a goal against San Marino, I think. pic.twitter.com/O9sjp3r7vs
— Football Clichés (@FootballCliches) September 5, 2015
The substitution opened the floodgates as to whether Rooney and Charlton were truly comparable, despite both making it to 49 goals from the same number of international games.
Some felt inclined to pick on the calibre of opposition that Rooney had chosen to bully for his goals.
Rooney, 49 goals… more than 10% of those were against San Marino and more than 25% against opposition not even ranked in FIFA top 100…
— Olly Ridyard (@Blueblood_MCFC) September 5, 2015
Rooney's international goals #worldbeater pic.twitter.com/spNtnGKEN9
— oh you beauty (@natefc) September 5, 2015
Sorry but if Sir Bobby had played the likes of San Marino in his day he would have 149 goals.
— Charlie says.. (@jonmikesav8) September 5, 2015
Others gave Rooney a little more credit.
Rooney can't be held responsible for the shortcomings of a generation, but it's his tournament record that places him well behind Charlton.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) September 5, 2015
Rooney will be joining a fairly elite club if adding to his England tally against Switzerland.
Rooney's quest for 50 in context: only 43 footballers have ever scored 50+ international goals in their careers, all nations combined, ever.
— sportingintelligence (@sportingintel) September 5, 2015
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.
