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England's Ross Barkley (L) celebrates after scoring a goal with team mates Wayne Rooney (C) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain during their Euro 2016 qualifying soccer match against San Marino at the Olympic stadium in Serravalle, San Marino September 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
England became the first team to qualify for the 2016 European Championship by crushing San Marino 6-0, while defending champion Spain avenged a rare loss to Slovakia with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney's opener from the penalty spot was his 49th international goal, tying him with Bobby Charlton as England's all-time leading scorer.
While England secured first place in Group E, Spain pulled level on points with Slovakia and took the lead of Group C on head-to-head results.
Spain got early goals from Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta to deal Slovakia its first loss in qualifying for next summer's tournament. Last year, Slovakia ended Spain's 36-game unbeaten run in qualifiers.
Also, Sweden lost star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury in a 1-0 defeat to Russia in Group G.
Here is closer look at Saturday's qualifying matches:
