ROONEY HAS SIGHTS ON CLOCKING RECORD
WAYNE ROONEY hopes to break England’s goalscoring record against Switzerland at Wembley tonight, but his focus is on Roy Hodgson’s men sealing top spot in Euro 2016 qualifying Group E. Manchester United forward Rooney equalled Bobby Charlton’s England record of 49 goals by scoring from the penalty spot in Saturday’s 6-0 defeat of San Marino, a win which secured their place for France next summer. And the 29-year-old England captain has loftier goal targets but admits he is prepared to be patient if number 50 does not happen against the Swiss. ‘It would be nice to do it at Wembley,’ said Rooney. ‘It would be nice to do it and move on from that and concentrate on the team again. That’s the most important thing. To try to win the game tomorrow and finish the group top. ‘I feel I’ve still got quite a lot of games left to play for England. I’d be disappointed if I ended my England career on 50 goals.’ Hodgson lauded Rooney’s contribution after he reached his tally in 106 appearances, the same record as Charlton. ‘Wayne’s record is quite incredible,’ said the England manager. ‘Goodness knows how many caps he can get in the future and how many goals he’ll score.’ Meanwhile Rooney’s United team-mate Michael Carrick has withdrawn from the squad for tonight’s clash due to a calf injury and returned to Manchester. The 34-year-old midfielder, who has not featured for England in the last three matches since the draw with Italy back in March, sustained the injury in training prior to the win at San Marino. ‘We don’t believe it’s that serious. It came out of nowhere,’ said Hodgson. Carrick’s absence means Swansea’s Jonjo Shelvey could get another chance this evening, but James Milner, Ryan Mason and Fabian Delph are also available.