Qualifying Result: Rooney heads England towards Euro 2012

Much was written this summer about Wayne Rooney's head but, prior to his goal in England's 0-3 win over Bulgaria this evening, he'd made little use of it on the football field.

The Manchester United striker's rich vein of scoring form continued in Sofia as he struck two goals. The first came when he headed in from a corner and the second when United team-mate Ashley Young played him in on the stroke of half time. England were dominant throughout and traded no higher than 1.981/1.

Bulgaria started the match planning to frustrate their opponents but, after Gary Cahill gave England the lead 12 minutes in, they never looked back, monopolising possession and playing a confident passing game.

Lothar Matthaus' side attacked with renewed spirit after the break, enjoyng repeated success down the right and forcing Joe Hart into a point blank save. The game was over by then though, and the hosts could do nothing to narrow the gulf in class between the sides.

England trade at 1.05 to win their qualifying gruop and, after tonight's performance, they will go into Tuesday's home match against Wales in confident mood.