Wayne Rooney: It's a 'dream come true' to beat Sir Bobby Charlton's record

England 2 Switzerland 0

(Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney said it was a "dream come true" to finally pass Sir Bobby Charlton's 45-year record to become England's all-time top scorer.

The England captain barely had a sniff at goal all evening against a decent Swiss team, but finally got his chance when Raheem Sterling was brought down in the penalty area.

The build-up to the game had been dominated by Rooney's chance to take the record, having levelled on 49 goals with Charlton on Saturday - also from the penalty spot - against San Marino.

Supporters inside Wembley Stadium held their breath as Rooney ran up to take the kick and although Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer got a hand to the ball, Rooney had No 50.

"It's a dream come true and a huge honour," Rooney told ITV Sport after the game. "Hopefully now it's done I can kick on from here and concentrate on the team and with success in the future.

"It was a big moment for me. I picked my corner and put my boot through it and got as much power as possible and the keeper got a touch but luckily it had enough power."

"It's right up there, if not the best. To be a country's leading scorer before the age of 30, I'm extremely proud.

"I went through a spell around 2008 when I didn't score for England but since Roy (Hodgson) has come in I've scored quite a few and I'm grateful to him."

England manager Hodgson added: "It's an amazing achievement and we've just congratulated him in the dressing room.

"My thoughts go out to Bobby Charlton and I'm hoping he will be pleased his record has been broken and that it was Wayne, a fellow Manchester United player, that did it."

When asked if he felt the record would ever be beaten, Hodgson added: "The strange thing about records is that you never think they will be broken, then they are.

"It doesn't concern me and I'm sure it won't concern Wayne. It's a proud moment for him and his family. We will enjoy it with him."

Charlton, who held the record for 45 years, had a message for Rooney released on United's official website.

It read: "I would like to congratulate Wayne on becoming England's leading goalscorer.

"I have always been very proud to hold this record. Playing for my country was always an honour and a privilege and something I did with great pride.

"I obviously cannot deny that I am disappointed that I now don't hold this record, however, I am absolutely delighted that it is Wayne, as captain of my beloved club and country, who now holds this record.

"On behalf of myself and everyone at Manchester United I would like to say 'Congratulations Wayne this is a very proud moment for you and your family. It is a record that I am sure you will hold for a long time, and it is clear to see that you will go on scoring for your club and country for a long time to come."'

Additional reporting by PA