San Marino vs England: Wayne Rooney looking for record-breaking brace in Euro 2016 qualifier

Rooney can break Bobby Charlton's goal record with a brace

Luke Hastings
Friday 04 September 2015 17:36 BST
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Wayne Rooney celebrates a goal for England
Wayne Rooney celebrates a goal for England (GETTY IMAGES)

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Group E leaders England face San Marino this Saturday in a game which could see England confirm qualification for Euro 2016. England sit top of their group with 18 points, whilst San Marino are bottom with only one point.

It’s a big game for…

Wayne Rooney as the Manchester United striker can become England’s leading goal scorer if he can bag a brace against the group’s minnows. The England captain currently sits on 48 goals, equal with Gary Lineker and one behind Bobby Charlton’s record of 49. Despite no goals in his last 10 Premier League games, Rooney will be looking to claim the record this weekend.

Best stat…

31 - In only five matches against San Marino, England have scored 31 goals with the minnows only scoring once. England average over 6 goals a game against their opponents, meaning we could be in for another big England win at the weekend.

Remember when…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edih2eH65wk

Andros Townsend scored this cracker off the bench last October in England’s 5-0 win.

Player to watch…

Jonjo Shelvey - After being recalled to the squad for the first time since he made his debut back in 2012 against San Marino, the Swansea midfielder will be looking to impress. If the Englishman can get on the pitch and shows some of his early season Premier League form, Shelvey will give Roy Hodgson a few things to think about selection wise.

Past three-meetings…

England 5 (Jagielka, Rooney, Welbeck, Townsend, Della Valle OG) San Marino 0, European Championship Qualifying, October 2014

San Marino 0 England 8 (Della Valle OG, Chamberlain, Defoe 2, Young, Lampard, Rooney, Sturridge), World Cup Qualifier, March 2013

England 5 (Rooney 2, Welbeck 2, Chamberlain) San Marino 0, World Cup Qualifier, October 2012

Form guide…

England: WWWDDW

San Marino: LLLLLD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 5pm

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV

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