Wayne Rooney is relishing his role as captain of club and country, and says he will put the good of the team ahead of individual goalscoring records.
Rooney is fourth on the England all-time goalscoring list and just three goals behind Jimmy Greaves’ total of 44.
England v San Marino
European Qualifier Group E
7.45pm, Thursday 9 October
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
www.TheFA.com/tickets
It was put to Rooney that Thursday's match against lowly ranked San Marino and Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Estonia represented great opportunities to close in on the records.
Rooney said: “I haven't gone out of my way to look at the record, but there is no denying it's there.
“If I can overtake Jimmy Greaves that will be great, but I'm not going into the games thinking about it - if I can score goals that's great, but the most important thing is to win the games.
Wayne Rooney and Roy Hodgson speak to the press
“I am enjoying being captain and we've had a great start with two wins and I enjoy the responsibility and the role.”
Rooney also discussed the new role players have in discussing tactics and how to approach matches.
He added: “The players are having a bit more impact in terms of how we approach the game alongside the coaches.
England's leading scorers
- Bobby Charlton (49)
- Gary Lineker (48)
- Jimmy Greaves (44)
- Wayne Rooney (41)
“We are all trying to find the right solution that feels comfortable for the players and the players have embraced it.
"I've been surprised by the number of players who have been vocal in the meetings so it is a positive step for us.
“Team spirit is very important and in my time with England we've never had any issues.
“We have a very encouraging group of players around the hotel and on the training pitch. We all want to do well together and that is great for the team.”
Tickets for the game against San Marino are still available.
You can buy online via www.TheFA.com/tickets
