Mata: Record-chasing Rooney one of the best

Juan Mata has paid tribute to Wayne Rooney by labelling his Manchester United team-mate as one of the best he’s played alongside.

Rooney scored his 49th England goal in the 6-0 win over San Marino to draw level with record goalscorer Sir Bobby Charlton, and will go looking for his half-century when England host Switzerland on Tuesday.

Mata, who is away with Spain ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier in Macedonia, praised Rooney his weekly blog on the United website.

The playmaker said: “I would like to congratulate England for becoming the first team already qualified for Euro 2016. They have good players in every area and I’m sure they’re going to be one of the main rivals in France.

“Special congrats to my team-mate Wayne Rooney for equalling Sir Bobby Charlton as England’s leading all-time goalscorer. Wayne is one of the best players I’ve ever had as a team-mate, and I’m sure he’s going to set a record very difficult to beat in the future.”