The race to be England’s top goalscorer is about to heat up

There are many ways a man may elect to wind down. A massage, a round of golf, a couple of beers perhaps. A phonecall with Sir Alex Ferguson however, may not be too high on anybody’s list of relaxation techniques.


Yet according to this morning’s papers, Wayne Rooney had a wee chat with his club boss yesterday in an attempt to loosen up a little, ahead of tomorrow night’s must-win match against Slovenia.

Rooney remains a tempting 15/8 to be England’s top goalscorer at this World Cup, which right now appears akin to a tallest dwarf competition. The current favourite is Steven Gerrard, who of course currently has a one goal advantage.

Although Gerrard won this market back in Germany, in the process he became the first midfielder since 1982 to top-score for England at a World Cup. History therefore suggests it is ultimately going to be a striker, and given Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey’s travails, that surely means Rooney.

Outsiders are certainly worth considering. In the last three World Cups, a pretty pathetic two goals has been enough to claim the English Golden Boot, which makes it a contest open to even the most irregular of goalscorers. For example, a brace from the Messianic figure of Joe Cole in the final match might be enough for him to come good at 20/1.

But if you’re a fan of fairytale endings, consider a bit of JT at 33/1. Born to lead apparently, perhaps Terry could start by leading England to the knockout stages, with a couple of trademark headers.


Will Rooney come good at last? He is 15/8 to finish as England’s top goalscorer. See the full England specials market.