England's Wayne Rooney Reaches 40 International Goals with 1st World Cup Score
June 21, 2014
England forward Wayne Rooney finally broke his World Cup goalless drought, finding the back of the net in the 75th minute of Thursday's 2-1 loss to Uruguay. The goal was Rooney's 40th international goal for England and his first in 10 World Cup matches, per ESPN FC.
The Manchester United star is now tied with Michael Owen, who played internationally from 1998-2008, for fourth place on England's all-time scoring list, as noted by ESPN FC. Sir Bobby Charlton, who garnered 106 caps from 1958-70, is atop the list with 49 goals.
Frank Lampard is second among England's active players, having scored 29 times for the Three Lions in 105 appearances.
Despite Rooney's goal, England were unable to hang on against a Uruguayan side led by Luis Suarez, who topped the English Premier League with 31 goals for Liverpool this season. Suarez both opened the scoring in the 39th minute and then banged home the game-winner in the 85th.
England were officially eliminated from the knockout stage Friday after Costa Rica defeated Italy 1-0. Costa Rica, who play England in their final group-stage match, lead Group D with six points, having beaten Italy and Uruguay, who are each currently tied at three points.
