Rooney reacts to Kane's record-breaking goal

Thursday 23 March 2023 22:36

As Manchester United's record goalscorer, it's safe to say Wayne Rooney knows a thing or two about finding the back of the net.

Many have come and gone, but few have managed to match the Reds legend's ruthlessness in front of goal, whether that be for United or for England.

On Thursday evening, with the Three Lions taking on Italy in their first Euro 2024 qualifier, in Naples, Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane broke Rooney's goalscoring record for England.

Across a 13-year period representing his country, Wazza racked up 53 goals. When stepping up to take his first-half penalty against Italy, Kane had the opportunity to take his own total to 54, and made no mistake.

Upon seeing his record beaten, our legendary striker was quick to praise the 29-year-old, posting a humble message on Twitter.

"Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England’s all-time leading goalscorer," he wrote. "I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick.

"Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry."

Kane's penalty proved to be ultimately decisive in the match, as England overcame the hosts 2-1 to get their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign off to a flyer.

 

United's Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw both started the contest and looked assured in a first half which saw West Ham midfielder Declan Rice open the scoring within 13 minutes, before Kane's spot-kick was awarded on the stroke of half-time following a handball from Italy right-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Mateo Retegui halved the deficit shortly after the restart, but the hosts struggled to create further clear-cut chances against a steely Three Lions backline.

The task became more difficult for Gareth Southgate's side in the closing stages, with Shaw being issued a red card after two bookable offences - ruling him out of the next qualifier - but England managed to see out the remainder of the match to earn a valuable win.

The next test for the Three Lions is another Euro 2024 qualifier, against Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday (17:00 BST).

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