Rooney: Three points is more important than goal record

Saturday 13 Jun 2015
Rooney is more concerned about three points than goals

Wayne Rooney is just three goals away from becoming England's all-time top scorer - but says he would much prefer three points in Slovenia.

The Three Lions skipper has been chipping away at Sir Bobby Charlton's 45-year record, bagging seven goals in nine appearances this season to take his goal-haul to 47.

However, he has not scored in his last seven outings for club and country, but as he edges ever-closer to his latest England landmark, Rooney is only concerned about the success of his team.

Slovenia v England

Euro 2016 Qualifier
5pm BST, Sunday 14 June
Stadion Stozice, Ljubljana
Live on ITV 1

“I'm fed up of this question," he laughs. "It's there, obviously, I'm close to it, but the most important thing is the result.

"If that record comes with it, then great. If not, we'll hopefully still get the three points, which is more important for me.

"It's not something I sit up thinking about at night. I can't deny it's there for me to do, but I'd take the three points over scoring any goals on Sunday.”

He continued: "I've gone a few without scoring. In my early days it probably would have worried me.

"If I get the chances, more often than not I'll take them. That's one of those things in football, you have to put it to the back of your mind and focus on the next game.

"When it happens, it happens. I've got a few years left playing for England, so I'm sure it'll happen at some stage. But it's not my biggest concern.”

England have not tasted defeat since June last year - against Uruguay in Sao Paulo - and will be looking to complete an unbeaten season in Sunday when they face Slovenia in Ljubljana.

Wayne Rooney

Rooney has 47 goals for England

The last time England achieved a similar feat was 19 years ago, but that campaign climaxed in a penalty shootout loss to Germany in Euro '96.

And Rooney admits that if they are to pick up the win that could take them nine points clear in their Euro 2016 qualifying group, then "game management" will be key.

"It'll be a tight stadium and a really good atmosphere," said the Manchester United striker.

"It's about us controlling the game, keeping the crowd quiet and being clinical when we get the chances.

He added: "Obviously, we don't want to let them get too much momentum in terms of corners and free kicks.

"We have started to manage games a lot better in the last few, and game management will be important.”

By Jamie Bradbury FA Editor In Ljubljana