Wayne Rooney’s late winner against Slovenia maintains England’s perfect Euro 2016 qualifying record

England striker Wayne Rooney moved within one goal of equalling their all-time scoring record when his late goal secured a 3-2 win in Slovenia and kept up the group E leaders’ 100 per cent record in Euro 2016 qualifying on Sunday.

Jack Wilshere earlier twice smashed the ball into the top corner from outside the area, his first international goals, as England moved within touching distance of the finals in France with 18 points from six group games, nine above second-placed Slovenia.

Milivoje Novakovic had coolly given the hosts a 37th-minute lead after a series of England errors and Nejc Pecnik made it 2-2 late on before a defensive howler set up Rooney for his 48th England goal, one behind record holder Bobby Charlton.

“It was a long time ago when England last went a season unbeaten and we’re proud of that achievement,” Rooney told ITV after the Three Lions managed the feat for the first time since 1990-91.

“We need to keep improving now over the next season and make sure we qualify for the Euros. We’re certainly a team that is progressing.”

Raheem Sterling missed a golden chance early on for England and also shot narrowly wide after 14 minutes with his mixed performance under particular scrutiny.

He was kept in the starting line-up despite being booed in the recent 0-0 friendly with Ireland because of an average display and his behaviour in requesting to leave Liverpool.