The Everton striker was delighted with his strike, converting Emile Heskey's excellent knock down, but afterwards the 17-year old was just pleased that England came through a tough encounter and claimed three valuable points as the seek automatic qualification for Euro 2004 in Portugal.

"It's a great feeling to score my first senior England goal - and even better knowing it was in such an important game," said Rooney.

"To be honest, the result was more important than my goal. It was a difficult game in difficult circumstances but once again all the lads have worked hard and shown a never-die spirit"

Rooney was also grateful to the great work from Emile Heskey, who was introduced at half-time and was a handful for the Macedonians.

"Emile did really well for me," he added "All I had to do was concentrate on getting a good connection and thankfully that's what happened."

Sven was overjoyed, for the youngster, who in his sixth match on the senior England team sheet, got his name on the score sheet for the first time.

"Congratulations to Wayne," he said.

"He's shown he is mature on and off the pitch and I'm sure he can handle everything that comes his way.