SIR Bobby Charlton is backing England talisman Wayne Rooney to end 43 years of international hurt.

The United striker is the number one goalscorer in the European qualifying groups with eight goals.

His haul has seen him charge up the England all-time scoring list and put Fabio Capello's side on the brink of cementing their World Cup place in next summers finals in South Africa.

Rooney has now scored 24 England goals and has joined Sir Geoff Hurst in joint 12th on the scorers chart which is led by Sir Bobby with 49 goals.

Charlton, a 1966 World Cup winner. also believes Rooney can eventually overtake him as the country's number one goalscorer.

"Wayne Rooney is a very important person for club and country," said Sir Bobby at the charity golf day for the Lord Mayor's Trust.

"I think United and England are very lucky to have someone of his character and ability. He is always pleased to listen to you and pick up any advice and help he can.

"Wayne has great ambitions and he wants to be the best and will ensure he does everything to achieve that.

"From England's point of view we have suffered from inconsistency for a good 20 to 30 years. But we are getting a consistent look to our game now under Fabio Capello.

"If the team continue to perform well and Wayne is also key to that, then I think we can start thinking about success again at international level.

"I don't worry about talking about Wayne like this or the fact that people see him as so vital for England these days, because he is a big lad, a strong character and can handle the pressure."

That pressure includes the spotlight that will grow as the 23-year-old inches up the England goalscoring list.

Rooney is now in touching distance of seven ex-internationals who have scored up to 30 goals.

Once you get past Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse and Alan Shearer on 30 you get to the elite four Michael Owen (40 goals), Jimmy Greaves (44), Gary Lineker (48) and Sir Bobby on 49.

"I would really have no problems if Wayne eventually got beyond 50. There are a lot of goals to come from him," said Sir Bobby.

Where can Rooney improve his game? Have our say.