Record Breakers

As we now all know, David Beckham earned his 109th cap against Slovakia at the weekend, taking him past Bobby Moore’s outfield record. He will now have his sights set on the all time England record, held by Peter Shilton with 125. If he does stay around for the 2010 World Cup, as he is intent on doing, there is every chance he can break it.

However, if he does, it may not last long; thanks to a certain Wayne Rooney. Wazza earned his 49th cap in the same game; and is only 23. At his age, Beckham had only 21 caps. And though Rooney (probably) won’t go on as long as Becks (unless, perhaps, he assumes more of a Sheringham type role?) he has a huge headstart on him. Furthermore, in that time he’s missed around 20 games through injury and suspension!

There is every chance Rooney could break that record – but also every chance he could break another, that of England’s record goalscorer. It currently stands at 49 (Bobby Charlton) – and three or four years ago Michael Owen looked certain to break that. However, his international career has very much gone off the boil since then – more so since Capello ignored him in the wake of the current injury crisis, instead calling up Darren Bent (oh the ignominy). Rooney currently has 21 international goals in his 49 caps – it took Owen 50 caps, one more than Rooney, to get to 21.

As we have seen with Owen, nothing is certain – Rooney’s body may become ravaged with time, as Owen’s has – but Wayne does not rely on pace, and as long as he keeps his strength, desire, drive and ability, he could become England’s record goalscorer and most capped player. Achievements indeed.