Le Saux told TheFA.com: “It’s a fantastic achievement. He’s been playing under the same spotlight since he was 16 years old.
“To maintain form and the consistency he has for that period under the scrutiny he has, for any professional, we should value that. He’s been incredibly consistent with his goalscoring, despite spells when his form has been questioned.
“It’s disappointing some people do not appreciate what he has achieved.”
Martin Keown in action back in his England playing days
Having now surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for his country and with England’s passage to the Euros secured, Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes the tournament could be the defining moment of the striker’s international career.
“He has understood the value of playing for England, he was never one to dip out of matches when selected,” said Keown.
“What he needs to do now is what Gazza and Alan Shearer did - he needs to become the darling of the English public by taking a tournament by storm and become the main man.
“That could happen this summer and that has got to be the dream for him.
“If he is fully fit then he will go there right in his prime because he is something special.”
Graeme Le Saux won 36 caps for England
The former England defenders were speaking at a special Vauxhall England Supporters Club Q&A, just hours before Rooney became his country's all-time leading goalscorer.
One hundred competition winners were invited to the Powerleague next to Wembley Stadium ahead of England’s 2-0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier victory against Switzerland on Tuesday to meet the ex-Three Lions.
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