London, Sep 7 (IANS): England football team captain Wayne Rooney has described equalling Bobby Charlton's scoring record as a "huge honour" after moving level with the World Cup winner on 49 goals for his country.

Rooney, 29, scored a penalty in England's 6-0 win in San Marino on Saturday to equal Charlton's tally, before being substituted.

"To be level with Sir Bobby is a huge honour, a great moment and I am very proud of it. Hopefully I will surpass that and become the outright leader," Rooney was quoted as saying by BBC Radio 5 live on Sunday.

England's victory confirmed their qualification for Euro 2016 in France next summer.

England coach Roy Hodgson replaced Rooney with Harry Kane just before the hour mark, depriving his captain of the chance to surpass Charlton on Saturday, but insisted the substitution was always going to happen.

"It was planned, in fact the team we put out was planned with a view to Tuesday night against Switzerland," Hodgson said.