England qualifies for Euro 2016, Spain avenges Slovakia loss

GROUP E

England achieved its target in Serravalle. Wayne Rooney fell just short of his.

England's Theo Walcott (2nd L) shoots to score a goal as San Marino's Marco Meradi challenges him during their Euro 2016 qualifying soccer match at the Olympic stadium in Serravalle, San Marino, September 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

With a routine win against a San Marino team that included a barman, a lawyer, a pharmacist, and a student, England guaranteed its place in Euro 2016 with three games to spare and remained on course to finish group play with maximum points.

Rooney started the match needing two goals to surpass Charlton's record. He got one from the penalty spot in the 13th minute but was taken off just before the hour mark, denying him a chance of a second goal against a tiring home defense late on.

He'll get a first chance to reach 50 goals against Switzerland on Tuesday.

"It would have been great if it had happened tonight," Rooney said, "but it will be (great) on Tuesday, if selected, with the tradition at Wembley."

An own goal, as well as second-half goals by Ross Barkley, Theo Walcott (two), and Harry Kane completed England's win.

Switzerland roared back to beat Slovenia 3-2 and remain second at six points behind England.

Switzerland's Josip Drmic celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against Slovenia during their Euro 2016 group E qualification soccer match at the St. Jakob Park stadium in Basel, Switzerland September 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Switerland was losing 2-0 until Josip Drmic scored his first of two goals in the 80th. Valentin Stocker leveled in the 84th before Drmic got the winner four minutes into stoppage time.

Slovenia is third, while Estonia beat Lithuania 1-0 and is fourth.