England star optimistic about beating long-standing international record

Posted by

England striker Wayne Rooney needs just four goals to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton as the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, and is hopeful that he’ll be able to reach the mark during the upcoming games against Lithuania and Italy.

SEE MORE:
How England could line up using Liverpool’s highly successful 3-4-3 formation, with new role for Sterling
Six England humiliations: Joe Hart saying he knows nothing about Lithuania may have been unwise
No fear! Lithuania issue warning to England’s stars

Rooney will lead out his team at Wembley against Lithuania for a Euro 2016 qualifier on Wednesday, before travelling to Turin ahead of the match with Italy on Tuesday evening.

The Manchester United star, currently on 46 goals from 101 games, needs to reach 50 to beat former United star Charlton, whose tally of 49 came from 106 caps.

Charlton, still a director at Old Trafford, recently revealed that he speaks regularly with Rooney, but has not yet discussed the prospect of him breaking his records for both club and country.

Meanwhile, Rooney has revealed that he’s prepared to be patient over reaching his goal, despite his desire to get there as soon as possible. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Obviously I am close. It will be a fantastic moment for myself, a proud moment if I can do that.

“Hopefully one day it will happen and sooner rather than later, I have to keep concentrating on what has got me to this position and try to do my best for the team and hopefully I can get goals along the way.”

Charlton added: “I speak to him quite regularly at the club especially after games. But I don’t want to bring it up and say ‘I’m close to beating it’. He always gives me great advice and I have great chats with him.”

More Stories England National Team Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney