Wayne Rooney expressed relief and pride after overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton as England's record scorer with his 50th goal in last night's Euro 2016 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley.
Rooney equalled Charlton's record, which had stood for 45 years, with a penalty in last Saturday's 6-0 win at San Marino in Group E, before he was substituted.
His withdrawal gave him the opportunity to notch his half century at Wembley and he duly obliged, six minutes from time in the 2-0 win.
Again it was from the spot and he did not disappoint an expectant public.
"It was a great moment for me tonight and such a huge honour to be the leading goalscorer for England," Rooney said.
"I knew what a big moment it was for me tonight. When we got the penalty I was very nervous.
"I knew which corner I was going in and just decided to put my foot through it. Thankfully the power of it took it in.
"It was a special moment for me and I'm such a proud man tonight."
England were awarded the spot-kick when Raheem Sterling was felled by Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Referee Gianluca Rocchi had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and immediately home supporters chanted "Rooney, Rooney".
The England skipper received the acclaim of the 75,000 in Wembley and his team-mates after his successful penalty.
Afterwards England boss Roy Hodgson presented him with an England shirt, with the number 50, Rooney's name and signed by players and staff.
"It's something I'll keep and will take pride of place in my house," Rooney added.
"Everyone was great, congratulating me. Not just the players, staff I've worked with since I've been in the squad for 12 years."
Rooney hopes his five-year-old son Kai, who has school on Wednesday, and two-year-old son Klay did not see his history-making moment.
"It was a special moment for me, my family and for my children," he added.
"(But) I'm hoping they're in bed."
Rooney expressed admiration for Charlton and is now looking to the future.
He said: "I've got huge respect. For the last 11 years he's been a great help to me, seeing him a lot around Manchester United.
"I think he'll be a little bit disappointed, but I'm sure he'll be delighted it's me who has taken his record.
"He's a hero of this country, won a World Cup, scored a lot of goals for England and for Man United. He's someone I'm extremely thankful to.
"It was important for me to get the record, but now I'm happy it's out of the way and I can focus with my team-mates on trying to help us be successful."
Rooney made a speech to the dressing room after being handed a shirt with 'Rooney 50' on the back after the match.
The United forward said: "(I want to thank) all of the coaches, the players, the staff who I have worked with for such a long time. This is such a huge moment for myself and my family in my career.
"Hopefully for the team and for myself there will be a lot more to come. We can be successful and hopefully a lot of the younger lads - Harry (Kane) coming through, Ross (Barkley), Raheem (Sterling), can come close and even pass me in the future. So I am grateful, it means the world to me and thank you very much."