Is Rooney better than Charlton?

[Bruce Wayne]

It seems likely that Rooney will draw level with, and possibly overtake Bobby Charlton as the record England goal scorer in the coming two games.

Where does he sit in the pecking order for England strikers? Is he better than Charlton, or even the likes of Shearer, Greaves, Lineker?

 

[Dario Terracotta]

Charlton although essentially a midfielder,scored most of his goals against top drawer opposition and performed admirably at major tournaments,World Cups in 1962/1966/1970,not knocking Rooney as you can only do what you do,but the number of friendlies and qualifiers against the likes of todays opponents San Marino/Andorra's of this world make it irrelevant in my eyes,Sir Bobby,world cup winner=legend,Rooney=very good England player.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Charlton although essentially a midfielder,scored most of his goals against top drawer opposition and performed admirably at major tournaments,World Cups in 1962/1966/1970,not knocking Rooney as you can only do what you do,but the number of friendlies and qualifiers against the likes of todays opponents San Marino/Andorra's of this world make it irrelevant in my eyes,Sir Bobby,world cup winner=legend,Rooney=very good England player.

I don't have the stats to hand, but I think their goals in competitive vs friendly fixtures are pretty similar, but whereas Rooney has been very good in qualifying matches, Charlton seemed much better in tournament matches. I think something like 80% of Rooney's tournament goals came in Euro 2004, which isn't so hot.

 

[dandydan]

Rooney did nothing when it counted after 2004.

 

[degsy]

It seems likely that Rooney will draw level with, and possibly overtake Bobby Charlton as the record England goal scorer in the coming two games.

Where does he sit in the pecking order for England strikers? Is he better than Charlton, or even the likes of Shearer, Greaves, Lineker?

Up there with the best, the goals for tally don't lie...wazzer's trouble is he's too versatile for his own good

 

[tommye]

@Elong

 

[Kurt.]

wow.... look at Tomjo Shelvey calling Emong out

 

[roydo]

It is odd when you look at their England careers.

Almost identical.

Charlton, 49 in 106 games over 12 years.

Rooney, 48 in 105 games over 12 years.

You could argue the toss about who they played against/importance of goals/tournament goals, but I had no idea they were so similar.

 

[Kurt.]

It is odd when you look at their England careers.

Almost identical.

Charlton, 49 in 106 games over 12 years.

Rooney, 48 in 105 games over 12 years.

You could argue the toss about who they played against/importance of goals/tournament goals, but I had no idea they were so similar.

and they both have lovely hair

 

[roydo]

True dat.

 

[bizzaro]

NEA really. As Rooney doesn't play for Everton

 

[Joey66]

It is odd when you look at their England careers.

Almost identical.

Charlton, 49 in 106 games over 12 years.

Rooney, 48 in 105 games over 12 years.

You could argue the toss about who they played against/importance of goals/tournament goals, but I had no idea they were so similar.[/QUOTE
IMO opposition teams weaker, and played more frequently v theses lesser teams - no home internationals either which were far from friendly!

 

[roydo]

True. But then England didnt have to qualify in 1966 nor 1970 WC, so presumably would have played tons of friendlies instead I guess. I was just amazed how near identical their records were.

 

[Dithering Dougie]

Up there with the best, the goals for tally don't lie...wazzer's trouble is he's too versatile for his own good

Interesting how since he's been made captain of both Utd and England he's always preaching how he's more interested in team performances over individual records and awards. It's shown in his play for years obviously but now he's the voice of the group he's got the platform to force it home.

When he was Fergies favourite he often talked about his football brain and how they'd always be discussing about football tactics, Fergie used to be of the opinion he's going to make a very good manager. I think his adaptability could be the key to his future career, he's a smart fella but it gets glossed over due to his accent and temperament at times I think.

 

[Joey66]

True. But then England didnt have to qualify in 1966 nor 1970 WC, so presumably would have played tons of friendlies instead I guess. I was just amazed how near identical their records were.

They are identical, but in different eras, the USA team were the whipping boys, not so many eastern block countries etc, Sant Marino,s etc hard to judge, but I feel their maybe more easier teams , and average teams around now!
Apart from Germany who have strengthened due to the Berlin Wall, and the USSR being diluted etc!