Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney fired England to a 1-0 victory over Estonia on Sunday evening and won his 99th cap for his country in the process.
Rooney struck 17 minutes from time with an excellent free-kick after a somewhat frustrating evening in front of goal for the skipper up to that point. The result maintained England’s 100 per cent record in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with three wins from three.
England had enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening period, but never really troubled Estonia goalkeeper Sergeoi Pareiko. Rooney had the best of the first-half opportunities but was unable to get any on target. His first chance arrived on 15 minutes after being brilliantly found in the area by Jack Wilshere. The skipper let fly with a spectacular first-time volley but it sailed just over the bar. Soon after, Rooney was unable to apply the finishing touch to Leighton Baines' dangerous cross and as half-time approached he headed wide after more good work from Baines.
England’s bid for victory was given a boost three minutes after the restart when Estonia had their captain Ragnar Klavan sent off for a second bookable offence, but Roy Hodgson’s men still had to wait until the 73rd minute before the breakthrough arrived. Substitute Raheem Sterling was tripped on the left edge of the box and although Pareiko got a hand to Rooney’s resulting free-kick, the keeper was unable to keep it out. That gave the forward his 43rd goal for his country and moved him to within one of Jimmy Greaves’ record in fourth spot in the all-time scoring list.
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