Some people really know how to spoil a party, and when it comes to taking the fizz out of a football fiesta, England boss Roy Hodgson is in a party-pooping class of his own. With the nation clamouring for Wayne Rooney to get the goal he needed to surpass Bobby Charlton become England’s all-time leading goal scorer what did Roy do? He took him off with 30 minutes still to play against the fast tiring part timers of San Marino.
The nation’s punters were unimpressed. With the result of that game a foregone conclusion Rooney’s record breaking effort was where the interest lay – his early penalty was the perfect prelude to the crowning of an all-time great… but then ‘Woy’ went and wrecked it.
Patriotic punters have responded by backing Rooney to break the record by scoring in the Three Lion’s next Qualifying game against Switzerland. Such has been the rush to recognise Rooney’s record-breaking achievement that bookmakers TitanBet have put on a series of specials, offering odds on precisely how Rooney will score his next international goal over and above their standard range of bets tied to the outright match results and price boosts.
Reflecting on Killjoy Roy’s refusal to let Rooney rule the record books Russell Yershon, UK Sports Manager for Titanbet.co.uk, was quick to point to the reaction of his loyal punters.
“Roy’s decision to rest Rooney with the record in his sights didn’t go down well. With the result a near-certainty just about the only reason for taking any notice was to see Rooney make a little piece of history. Roy really spoiled the party.
But Punters have really got behind Rooney for the Switzerland game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a one man market quite as lively as this.”
Rooney’s penalty against the Sammarinese took his international tally to 49 and level with Charlton, his illustrious Manchester United predecessor. That right footed strike was his fifth penalty and it was his 33rd successful right foot strike on the international stage. Of his other goals 11 have come from headers with just five coming from his left boot – not bad for a swinger! Surprisingly for someone who is such a sharp shooter from a set piece, just two of Rooney’s goals have come from free kicks. All of these methods of scoring are available online as betting options at titanbet.com.