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Hodgson: Rooney can handle pressure of England record

England coach Roy Hodgson says Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney will take his goalscoring record in his stride.

Hodgson claimed Rooney can handle the pressure as he closes in on becoming England's all-time leading goalscorer.

Rooney scored from the penalty spot during England's 5-0 destruction of European minnows San Marino in their Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley, but missed several chances to add to his total of 42 goals.

Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 49, plus Gary Lineker's haul of 48 and Jimmy Greaves (44) are within sight for the Manchester United striker.

Hodgson said: "The record won't play on his mind. We'd like to think, with the way he is and the footballer he is, he's got a good few years in him yet.

"There are plenty of games left. I don't think we should put any pressure on him to reach targets early.

"The important thing is he keeps playing well and doing a job for the team and working as hard as he did tonight.

"He got in a lot of times. His runs were very good. He's a bit disappointed with the chip. He thought that was on.

"I'm more than happy with him. It was another good captain's performance, solid throughout."

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