Wayne Rooney Goes Joint Top of England Goalscoring Chart

England confirmed their place at Euro 2016 after a routine dismissal of San Marino - but captain Wayne Rooney must wait to eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goals tally. Rooney scored a record-equalling 49th goal with an early penalty but was surprisingly substituted by England manager Roy Hodgson with history beckoning and the San Marino defence out on its feet. He must now try again against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday.There was still plenty for England to celebrate, though, as they made it seven wins out of seven in qualifying to ensure they will be in France next summer.England were never under threat and it was another damage limitation exercise for San Marino, especially after...

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Joachim Loew Demands Tighter Performance From Germany Against Scotland After Downing Poland

Joachim Loew says Germany can improve further in Monday’s Euro 2016 qualifier away to Scotland after Mario Goetze’s goals sealed a 3-1 win over Poland to top their group.Thomas Mueller gave the hosts an early lead in Frankfurt on Friday and Goetze scored twice as Germany avenged last year’s 2-0 away defeat in Warsaw to replace Poland at the top of group DAll four goals came from Bayern Munich players as Poland captain Robert Lewandowski pulled one back with a diving header as it finished 2-1 at the break.Mueller and Goetze then combined for Germany’s third on 82 minutes to kill off hopes of a late Poland equaliser.“We had one goal, to win the game, that was the most important thing,”...

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U-M observations: Offense sluggish, defense struggles

Offense sluggish, defense struggles SALT LAKE CITY -- The biggest question for the Michigan football team in Jim Harbaugh's first game had to wait to be answered. After Utah marched for a field goal to open tonight's game, U-M fans finally got to see Devin Gardner's successor at starting quarterback … Jake Rudock. As expected, the Iowa graduate transfer started the game, and his performance was the opposite of what was expected. Rudock was supposed to be the safe, accurate choice. But by halftime, he had thrown two interceptions and missed a few huge opportunities, leading to the 10-3 halftime deficit. He was 10-for-17 for 94 yards in the first half. Junior quarterback Shane Morris,...

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