Monday 8 September 2014 08:38, UK
Wayne Rooney has shrugged off questions over his form and says he is determined to become an all-time England great.
The Manchester United striker's position in Roy Hodgson's starting XI continues to come under scrutiny, despite his new role as England captain, amid competition from Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck.
But Rooney became England's fourth-highest scorer of all time on Wednesday when he struck the winning penalty against Norway at Wembley, that 41st international goal moving him ahead of childhood idol Michael Owen and within eight goals of England's record goalscorer, Sir Bobby Charlton.
I watched Michael Owen as a boy growing up, so to go above him in the goal scoring charts is great. And I'd be a fool if I didn't look at Sir Bobby's record and feel capable of passing him. It's in my sights.
Charlton's record of 249 Manchester United goals is also in danger of tumbling, with Rooney just 32 short of the former England striker, now a director at Old Trafford.
And the man handed the armband for country as well as club spoke bullishly about his motivations on the eve of England's first European Qualifier against Switzerland in Basel.
"I watched Michael Owen as a boy growing up, so to go above him in the goal scoring charts is great," Rooney said.
"And I'd be a fool if I didn't look at Sir Bobby's record and feel capable of passing him. It's in my sights.
"Both his records have stood for a long time, and a lot of players have attempted to break them. Now they're in touching distance, the two of them. It's something I'd love to do. I feel I'm capable of doing it."
Hodgson refused to reveal where he would deploy Rooney against Switzerland but whether he operates as a central striker, a No.10 or a left winger, the 28-year-old is confident he can deliver for a side desperate to exorcise the demons of a demoralising World Cup.
"Wherever Roy Hodgson wants me to play, I am happy to play. It is as simple as that," Rooney added.
"I am not interested in what anyone else thinks. I am here to play for England.
"Roy's the manager, he picks the team. I'll play to the instructions the manager wants me to do."
