Watch: Rooney nets 1st-ever goal as substitute for England
Back in 2003, Wayne Rooney, then freckle-faced and only 17 years old, made his debut for England's national team, coming off the bench at Upton Park in the Three Lions' 3-1 defeat to Australia in a friendly.
On Friday, Rooney, full-faced and 30 years old, took the pitch versus Australia once again and, unlike 13 years ago, scored against the Socceroos.
After replacing Jack Wilshere at the interval of the friendly at the Stadium of Light, Rooney needed only 10 minutes to find of the net, taking one touch upon collecting the ball from Raheem Sterling before rifling a shot past Mathew Ryan.
1 - Wayne Rooney netted his 52nd goal for England, but his first ever as a substitute. Cameo.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 27, 2016
Among international goals by active European players, Rooney ranks fourth and finds himself in elite company.
Most international goals by active European players:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 27, 2016
Robbie Keane (67)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (62)
Cristiano Ronaldo (56)
Wayne Rooney (52)
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