Reaction: England reach Euro 2016

1. England book place at Euro 2016
2. Rooney equals England scoring record
3. England captain substituted after 58 mins
4. Kane scores first of season with clever chip
5. Walcott scores twice after coming off bench

Goodbye

England are there. 

Wales and Northern Ireland are very close.

It doesn't start for another nine months but I'm already getting excited about Euro 2016.

Thanks for your company. Until next time...

Goals, goals, goals

Fancy looking at some England's finest goalscorers in action?

The likes of Tom Finney, Michael Owen, Jimmy Greaves and Alan Shearer are all included in a video on the BBC Sport website.

Just click to watch.

'Well done Wayne'

England's greatest goalscorers

BBC

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Julian Richards:  Very impressed by Shelvey, hopefully he will get another chance v Switzerland.

Paul Jolly:  England looked better without Rooney on the pitch. Still, we'll be out in the group stages at the Euros whoever we draw.

Vote result

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Elsewhere in Europe

Fifteen minutes to kick-off in today's late Euro 2016 qualifiers. Manchester United keeper David De Gea is on the substitutes bench for Spain against Slovakia.

In the early starts there were victories for Luxembourg, Ukraine, Estonia and Russia. 

Le Rendez Vous

'Great to score'

Reuters

England striker Harry Kane speaking to ITV Sport: "It's great to get on the scoresheet. A lot has been said about me not scoring this season but I came off the bench and, thankfully, scored. 

"It is a great achievement by Wayne Rooney to equal the goalscoring record and we are all buzzing for him but the whole team did well and we don't want to stop here as we want to keep moving on."

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'I'd swap goals for a medal'

England captain Wayne Rooney, speaking on ITV: "It would have been great if the record had happened tonight. Obviously the tradition of Wembley and to break the record at Wembley would be great. 

"Sir Bobby is in the dressing room at Manchester United after all the games and he has a presence about him. He has given me advice.

"I would swap all these goals for a winner's medal next summer."

'More than satisfied'

England manager Roy Hodgson speaking to ITV Sport: " I am more than satisfied and we won it with a good margin. 

On Wayne Rooney substitution: "To be honest, we wanted to protect one or two players and it was in our thoughts we would try to keep Wayne on for 45 to a maximum of 60 minutes. 

"One or two who weren't in contention to play on Tuesday night have pushed their claims and Jonjo Shelvey deserves a mention. In Michael Carrick and Jonjo we have two very good passers in that midfield position and when Jack Wilshere gets back we will have even more competition."

'Proud to equal record'

England forward Wayne Rooney, speaking on ITV: "It's a proud moment to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record. My aim is to push on and try and help the team win on Tuesday and break the record."

'Surprised by Rooney decision'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

I was surprised Wayne Rooney was taken off given that the goalscoring record was there for him. I don't know if the decision to take him off was vindicated by Harry Kane's goal. I would have liked to have seen Rooney break that record."

'Strange to take Rooney off'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in San Marino

Reuters

"Strange decision by England manager Roy Hodgson to remove Wayne Rooney on the brink of history with the San Marino defence out on its feet. It may be more fitting to beat the record at Wembley - but not sure Rooney would agree after admitting it will be a relief to get it over and done with."

'Keep trio in side'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

There will be a couple of changes to play Switzerland on Tuesday but I would like to see Jonjo Shelvey, Jamie Vardy and John Stones keep their places. They haven't done anything wrong.

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'Roy will be delighted'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

There have been some decent performances from England. Ross Barkley stepped it up in the second half, Nathaniel Clyne bombed up and down the right flank and Jonjo Shelvey has hardly given the ball away. England manager Roy Hodgson will be delighted with his team's discipline, energy and professionalism."

Getty Images

England are the first country - other than host France - to reach Euro 2016.

The question now is: Can they finally perform on the tournament stage?

FULL-TIME

UEFA

Book your flights, boats, trains now...England are at Euro 2016 with three games to spare. 

Two additional minutes.

England's travelling fans are making themselves heard in the closing stages. It might have been flat in the first half but their team has produced a professional performance. Job done.

Plenty of plus points for Roy Hodgson.

Not only have England qualified for Euro 2016, they have emerged from this game without any injuries. Jonjo Shelvey has done his chances of making the plane to France next summer no harm at all while substitutes Theo Walcott and Harry Kane has grasped their chance.

Joe Hart has had little to do but admire the views around this scenic ground but the Manchester City is tested with six minutes of normal time remaining by a shot from Adolfo Hirsch.

CLOSE!

Theo Walcott should be going home with the match ball. John Stones plays a delightful ball into the path of the substitute but his finish is narrowly wide.

'Beautiful goal'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

PA

For anyone who has got any question marks over Harry Kane's confidence in front of goal, that goal shows they needn't worry. It was a beautiful goal and that will be a really nice feeling for him."

So that's 11 goals England have scored against the Group E minnows in this qualifying campaign.

Can they get another?

GOAL - San Marino 0-6 England

PA

A striker's finish.

England score two in as many minutes and this is tough going for San Marino now. Ross Barkley slips the ball through to Theo Walcott, who slides a finish beyond the San Marino keeper from 10 yards.

Out of nowhere, Walcott's on a hat-trick!

GOAL - San Marino 0-5 England

Reuters

Harry Kane's season is up and running. And what a beautiful finish.

Jonjo Shelvey threads the ball through the home defence but Kane still has work to do. The keeper comes off his line but Kane waits for him to go down before lobbing it into the net.

His players have struggled at times to deal with a bobbly pitch but Roy Hodgson has just shown a tremendous first touch on the sidelines after the ball fell at his feet. 

Best touch of the game?

'Puzzling change'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Getty Images

England manager Roy Hodgson obviously believes history can wait for another day as Wayne Rooney is taken off after equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 England goals.

Bit puzzling and quite frankly extremely inconsiderate...for those us primed to write about Rooney reaching the great landmark.

This has not been a perfect England performance by any stretch of the imagination.

After John Stones's mistake earlier, Joe Hart, who has had very little to do, shows a lack of concentration by carelessly spilling the ball at the feet of a San Marino player before diving on top of it.

'San Marino switch off'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

When you get tired you start to switch off and that is what is happening to San Marino. Theo is fresh and he has stolen in at the far post and scored. He is a player who is never scared to come inside if he is playing on the right."

GOAL - San Marino 0-4 England

Reuters

A move made from the substitutes' bench sees England stretch their lead as Theo Walcott, who replaced Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain moments earlier, taps home from close range with his first touch after Fabian Delph's low cross.

The amount of possession England have enjoyed has dropped...from 75% to 74%.

This has not been a test for the back four at all and it's doubtful Roy Hodgson has learned much.

But it's job done as far as he is concerned.

Wayne Rooney's penalty earlier on moved him above Gary Lineker and level with Sir Bobby Charlton on a record-equalling 49 goals for England.

Wayne Rooney looked over to England's travelling fans and clapped as he made his way off the pitch.

His replacement Kane hasn't really got into this yet. 

The game has gone flat again after England's impressive start to the second half.

'A strange one'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

I suppose if there is a stage to be set for you to break that record it would probably be at Wembley in front of your own fans. Some England fans made their way here to witness him breaking the record and I feel for them. It is a strange one but for Harry Kane it is an opportunity to get that goalscoring feeling back in his boots.

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

So Wayne Rooney's wait to become England's greatest goalscorer continues.

Having joined Sir Bobby Charlton at the top of the all-time scoring charts, Rooney makes way for Tottenham striker Harry Kane. 

Roy Hodgson clearly has his eye on Tuesday's match against Switzerland at Wembley but what a stage for Rooney to break the record.

Fabian Delph is also on for James Milner.

SUBSTITUTION

Wow. Wayne Rooney is coming off as Harry Kane comes on.

A bad mistake by John Stones almost lets in San Marino but the Everton player's blushes are spared as the hosts fail to make the most of the chance.

England's first change is coming up. Harry Kane is getting ready to come on. Is Wayne Rooney coming off?

Jonjo Shelvey has been at the centre of some decent moves. He has certainly given Roy Hogson food for thought but is he good enough to make the squad for Euro 2016?

'Time to experiment'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

England are at Euro 2016 after this win here in San Marino tonight - so plenty of time for manager Roy Hodgson to do some experimenting in the remaining competitive qualifiers, starting against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday.

What has Roy Hodgson said to his players at the interval?

They are playing with much more energy and look far more threatening. 

'Intent from England'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain went off at half-time kicking the pitch as he was frustrated but he seems to have had a word with himself. He ran with the ball and crossed for Ross Barkley to score. Oxlade-Chamberlain and England showed intent with that goal."

GOAL - San Marino 0-3 England

PA

Great start to the new half. 

England are off to a flyer as Ross Barkley nets his first senior international goal with a close range header from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross.

KICK-OFF

England enjoyed 75% possession in the first 45 minutes. In other words they dominated. How many goals will they end up getting? Can Wayne Rooney break the record? 

We're back under way.

'San Marino fans unhappy'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

PA

Referee Leontios Trattou of Cyprus got a very rough ride from the San Marino fans as he headed towards the dressing rooms at half-time.

Not sure it was a game changer but the home fans, with justification, feel they need all the help they can get and that was an incident they clearly feel a sense of injustice about.

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Darrell Jones: Very dubious penalty and an own goal. Need that luck in a World Cup tournament not against San Marino.

Nicholas Walker: England have done nothing and leading by an OG and shock penalty is the only way we would have scored.

A Holton: I'm not one of the usual England doomsayers, but this is an awful performance. Only Shelvey can leave the pitch head held high.

PA

'Routine so far'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

It was pretty routine. San Marino have tried to make it as difficult as they can and the pitch has been tough."

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'Dreadful pitch'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

PA

England manager Roy Hodgson was complimentary about the work the San Marino authorities had done in preparing a new pitch in recent weeks but it is actually in dreadful condition and making accurate passing and control very difficult.

It is bare in parts and is cutting up badly in some areas as well. Luckily England are so vastly superior it is making no difference to the flow of the action, even if the game itself is a bitty affair.

'Brilliant save'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

More on that save shortly before half-time to deny Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain...

The San Marino goalkeeper has done really well and that save was brilliant. Oxlade-Chamberlain struck his shot well and Aldo Simoncini did well to get a fingertip to it."

HALF-TIME

It's been anything but a vintage performance but England are well on their way.

The half is ending on a bruising note. Phil Jagielka is clattered but it's going to take something a bit more meaty to stop the Everton man from getting back up.

GREAT SAVE!

Outstanding save by San Marino keeper Aldo Simoncini to deny Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from close range after catastrophic defending by the hosts.

'England well on their way'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Reuters

England are now well on the way to the win that will send them to Euro 2016 - what remains is to see if Wayne Rooney can hit that 50-goal landmark and perhaps for the likes of Ross Barkley, Jonjo Shelvey and Jamie Vardy to make their mark, albeit against exceedingly sub-standard opposition.

San Marino and their fans have accepted their fate so the novelty of a rare glimpse of Premier League stars in the flesh is setting in.

Reuters

Roy Hodgson was sporting sunglasses when he arrived at the ground but they are missing now and the England boss is struggling to see what is going on as he shields his eyes from the early evening sun.

He's not missing much. It's extremely flat.

England getting into good positions'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

It is crosses that are causing San Marino problems today. England are getting into some good positions and putting some good balls into the box which is good to see.

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Chris Coates:  Great to see Shelvey playing, only one who's shown any class so far.

Roger Curlett:  Vardy, Stones & Shelvey have started well but Barkley & The Ox need to do more.

Crosses galore are being pumped into the San Marino penalty area but there's no end product. 

The game is being played at a very slow pace, England are cruising but this isn't exciting.

Analysis

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

I was a bit disappointed to see Jonjo Shelvey in the holding midfield role but what he does give you is a range of passing. He is starting to pick holes in the San Marino defence.

Reuters

Here's a decent stat.

Cristian Brolli's own goal means that 'own goals' are now joint level top with Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobb Charlton in the history of the England team with 49.

'Quality delivery'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

England are doing the right things. They keep switching the play from the left to the right and vice versa and Luke Shaw has put in some quality delivery.

GOAL - San Marino 0-2 England

Reuters

England double their lead as Luke Shaw pings a quality cross into the San Marino six yard area and Cristian Brolli, attempting to clear it, glances it into his own net.

Far too easy.

Long-range attempt from Jonjo Shelvey smashes into an advertising hoarding. 

England are on course to qualify for Euro 2016 but there's nothing here for European heavyweights Germany and Spain to fear.

It's a scrappy game punctured with niggly fouls. 

'San Marino fans applaud Rooney'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in San Marino

Those here in search of history would have craved an early Wayne Rooney goal - and it has arrived with that penalty. It's all set up for Rooney to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals - and it was good to see some San Marino supporters recognising the significance of that moment.

Getty Images

Sharp, short passes by England. But move are breaking down in the final third.

Wayne Rooney is desperate for this record. He is running himself into the ground, chasing every ball.

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Kenny Kong : Well this penalty decision surprised everyone! The response from England says it all, simple bemusement.

VB:  Rooney might have the statistics but nobody would put him in their England all-time XI. Or even XXII.

Christophe Talbotski:  That's how @garylineker should have taken his penalty for goal number 49.

CLOSE!

Wayne Rooney turns his man and he's bearing down on goal. 

Is this the record-breaking goal? Rooney takes aim and fires...and keeper Aldo Simoncini beats his effort away.

The ball falls into the path of James Milner but he can't steer it into the net.

Reuters

Lots of noise from England's fans but it's anything but fluent from Roy Hodgson's men despite their lead. 

Getty Images

Wayne Rooney celebrated his goal by looking up to the sky before letting out an almighty smile. Almost all his team-mates joined him in his celebration.

Perfect start for Roy Hodgson's side. San Marino are struggling to get out of their half.

Cool Rooney

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Once Wayne Rooney got that ball in his hand, he was so cool and just slotted it into the corner. One more to go.

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GOAL - San Marino 0-1 England

Reuters

Wayne Rooney joins Sir Bobby Charlton at the summit of England's all-time scoring list after sending San Marino keeper Aido Simoncini the wrong way. 

Coolly dispatched spot-kick. 

PENALTY TO ENGLAND

Confusion - but England have a penalty. The referee appears to spot a push in the box as a cross comes in. Up steps Wayne Rooney...

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Nathan Daniels: Why haven't #england scored yet??? #hurryup

Miles Anderson Smith:  Come on Vardy, Shelvey and Stones - good luck lads. Would like to see chances created and good football!

Reuters

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hooks the ball into the six-yard area where Wayne Rooney and Jamie Vardy are lining up. Vardy launches himself at it but his head accidentally connects with Cristian Brolli who needs treatment.

This already has the feel of a pre-season friendly. The hosts are sitting back but England can't string a decent move together. Ross Barkley has already gifted possession on more than one occasion.

Lots of early touch for Jonjo Shelvey.San Marino are camped inside their own half as England, who are in all red, dominate possession.

'Training exercise'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

It's a training exercise but you still want to see a performance and it's a chance for players to try a few things.

This is worse than a Sunday League pitch. The ball is bobbling all over the place in the opening exchanges and England are struggling to string a few passes together.

KICK-OFF

Reuters

Can England become the first team - apart from hosts France -  to qualify for Euro 2016?

We're under way.

LINE-UPS

Reuters

San Marino: Aldo Simoncini, Bonini, Brolli, Davide Simoncini, Palazzi, Berardi, Hirsch, Battistini, Chiaruzzi, Matteo Vitaioli, Selva. 

Substitutes: Benedettini, Berretti, Alessandro Della Valle, Alex Della Valle, Golinucci, Mazza, Rinaldi, Stefanelli, Tosi, Valentini, Fabio Vitaioli, Muraccini. 

England: Hart, Clyne, Stones, Jagielka, Shaw, Shelvey, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Barkley, Vardy, Rooney. 

Substitutes: Butland, Smalling, Walcott, Cahill, Carrick, Delph, Kane, Mason, Sterling, Gibbs, Heaton. 

Referee: Leontios Trattou (Cyprus)

'Vardy can be similar to Sterling'

PA

England manager Roy Hodgson speaking to ITV: "The midfielder trio that played in Slovenia, two are injured and Fabian Delph we only just got back. Jonjo Shelvey and Jamie Vardy have started the season well and we will see how well they can do.

"Their qualities fit in with how we are trying to play and our philosophy. Jonjo can give us the passing that Jack Wilshere gives us and Vardy can be similar to what Raheem Sterling gives us."

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Stoney:  Sooooo average. Frightening how poor a bunch of players the @premierleague still produces. It's failed the #England team badly.

Daniel Woodley:  Hoping @WayneRooney can beat Bobby Charlton's record tonight. Has come on leaps & bounds over past couple of years as a person.

Shohidur Rahman:  Rooney will break the record. But he doesn't even rank in England's top 5 greatest players. This coming from a United fan.

Countdown to kick-off

Here come the teams. I don't know what happened to those thundery showers that were forecast. The sun is beating down and the 2,700 travelling England fans are in good voice as they sing along to the national anthem.

Countdown to kick-off

How many goals today?

'Rooney will be apprehensive'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

I'm sure the goalscoring record is one of those things Wayne Rooney would want to put to bed. He knows he is going to beat it. But, with the start to the season he has had, he will still be a little apprehensive."

Flag day

'Patchy pitch'

Jermaine Jenas

Former England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Ten minutes to kick-off...

You can see the pitch is very patchy. They were watering it very heavily and, just watching the lads warming up, the ball is bobbling badly. Saying that, it shouldn't stand in England's way.

On the radio...

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Nick Gain: Immensely disappointing to see Kane behind Vardy, short-termism at its worst. Vardy simply isn't quality enough long term. 

Richard Bromfield:  Looking at that England line-up you can tell why Wales are ranked above us.

Chris Knaggs:  Milner, Ox, Barkley and Shelvey not good enough for Euros. Henderson, Wilshere, Barkley/Ox and Sterling might be though.

'All eyes on Rooney'

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in San Marino

Reuters

Peaceful and picturesque setting here in San Marino but this could be a landmark day for England and captain Wayne Rooney.

Victory will confirm England's qualification for Euro 2016 while Rooney needs just one goal to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49.

England manager Roy Hodgson has handed out some opportunities against the side ranked 193rd in the world as Jonjo Shelvey, Ross Barkley and Jamie Vardy all start.

It should be the perfect platform for them - but inevitably all eyes will be on Rooney.

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Matt Rhodes:  Wonder if San Marino will play their usual 10-0-0 formation?

Michael Griffin:  Hoping Rooney doesn't break the record and breaks it on Tuesday against a more meaningful opposition.

Look who's here...

Look who's here to see if Wayne can become England's greatest goalscorer.

The Manchester United forward's wife Coleen and son Kai have taken their seats in the San Marino Stadium.

Reuters

Tournament let-downs

BBC Radio 5 Live

Reuters

Qualifying is one thing but performing in tournaments is another. One has to say that over the years that has been a downfall for England, and Roy Hodgson has experienced it in his time. England are in an easy qualifying group - there's no doubt about that - and they will qualify. But it's when it comes to the tournament. That's where we let ourselves down."

Graham TaylorFormer England manager

England fans out in force

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

PA

San Marino coach Pierangelo Manzaroli said on Friday that he expected the home fans to be outnumbered by England's support in this 6,600-capacity stadium - and it looks like he will be right.

England flags are in evidence right around this small arena, although plenty are taking advantage of the open spaces and trees banked high behind the goal to get a free glimpse of the action.

Security, and the term is used loosely, is in evidence but it hardly counts as strict and plenty could get the equivalent of a free ticket.

Two-year goal drought

To those that say there are no easy games in football....I disagree.

Getty Images

Elsewhere in Europe

In Group E, England's group, Estonia face Lithuania, and Switzerland host Slovenia. The result in that game has no bearing on England, as the Three Lions have already beaten the third-placed Slovenians twice, so cannot be caught if they win in San Marino.

In Group C, the top two face off at 19:45 BST as leaders Slovakia take on Spain. Luxembourg play Macedonia and third-placed  Ukraine, looking to consolidate a play-off spot, entertain Belarus.

In Group G, surprise leaders Austria will be hoping to take another step towards Euro 2016 when they play Moldova (19:45 BST), while second-placed Sweden travel to third-placed Russia in a crucial qualifier.

Shearer's prediction

Reuters

Is it bad of me to almost hope Wayne Rooney delays breaking Sir Bobby Charlton's record until Tuesday on a more fitting stage at Wembley against more significant opposition in Switzerland?

'Top-class' Rooney

BBC Radio 5 Live

PA

I hope Wayne Rooney breaks the record against San Marino. If there is a game where he is likely to do it then it's this. It doesn't matter who he is playing against, who he is playing with or what era of the game he is in... this fella is a top-class player."

Graham TaylorFormer England manager

Coming up on BBC radio

BBC Radio 5 Live

Getty Images, PA, Reuters

You can listen to full match commentary of today's game on BBC Radio 5 live, with build-up to begin at 16:30 BST. 

And there's plenty more European Championship qualifying on the way, too. Here's what's coming up on the station over the next few days:

Sunday:

Wales v Israel (17:00)

Monday:

Scotland v Germany (19:45)

OR

Northern Ireland v Hungary (19:45)

Tuesday:

England v Switzerland (19:45)

Great view, shame about the pitch

Reuters

Thundery showers are forecast at kick-off at the 6,664-capacity San Marino Stadium. Several hundred England fans have made the journey to Serravalle.

The views from the ground are breathtaking but I'm not sure Roy Hodgson and his players will be pleased with the state of the pitch.

PA