Rooney equals England record in 6-0 rout of San Marino

Travelling fans were then surprised when Hodgson decided to make changes, substituting Rooney, thus denying him the chance to break Charlton’s record, for Harry Kane, with Fabian Delph also replacing James Milner in the 56th minute.

Stones was then back in the opposition box, illustrating attacking intent once again, but could only ripple the outside of the net with an ambitious volley.

Recalled schemer Jonjo Shelvey’s vision and crisp passing, a notable feature of the match, set up Delph, though the midfielder’s shot curled high and wide.

Delph made amends moments later, around the 67th minute mark, as the Manchester City man picked out super sub Theo Walcott, brought on for impressive Oxlade-Chamerlain, in San Marino’s area.

Rapid Walcott burst into the box, and tapped the ball into the back of the net with his first touch of the game, to make it 4-0 to the Three Lions.

Hodgson’s Three Lions finally appeared to be having fun, with Kane next to get in on the action, latching on to Shelvey’s perfectly timed pass before patiently and precisely lofting the ball over Simoncini.

Walcott then made it a superb 6-0 in the 77th minute, completing his brace with a low finish into the left-hand corner as Barkley turned provider.

After Arsenal speedster Walcott spurned his shot at a hat-trick, Argentina-born Danilo Rinaldi gave San Marino fans a rare glimpse of England’s goal, though Joe Hart was equal to the strike when called into action.

Of course, England were expected to flex their muscles in this encounter against the energetic amateurs.

Still, come morning, the match will rightly only be remembered for Rooney’s magnificent milestone and England’s Euro 2016 qualification achievement, no-matter the manner both arrived in.