Wayne Rooney carved his name into the record books when the England striker become the youngest ever goalscorer in the history of the European championships.

The boy from Liverpool grabbed the record with a first half header against Switzerland at the tender age of 18 years, seven months and 23 days, and added a second for good measure in the second-half.

The previous holder of the honour was Dragon Stojkovic, who hit the net for Yugoslavia against France at the 1984 finals aged 19 years, three months and 16 days.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson paid handsome tribute to the astonishing teenager.

"Absolutely fantastic," purred the Swede.

"Two beautiful goals. He worked really hard.

"To be 18-years-old and put in that performance it is incredible."

The Everton attacker, whose second goal was added to by Steven Gerrard to complete the 3-0 victory, met his date with destiny in the 23th minute in the stadio Cidade in this central Portuguese city.

David Beckham's inch-perfect cross fell to Michael Owen out on the left and the Liverpool striker's chip found Rooney whose lightning header had Swiss keeper Jorg Stiel completely flummoxed.

"Rooney, Rooney" came the chant from the terraces for the stocky boy whose only just been given the vote and a driving licence.

Born on October 24, 1985, Rooney has had a meteoric rise to his current standing as one of the game's hottest properties - he only put on an England shirt for the first time in February of last year aged 17 years and four months, becoming England's youngest ever cap.

With lightning acceleration not always evident in a player of his mould - he measures 1.76 metres and with a weakness for junk food weighs in at 78 kilograms - Rooney also has strength and poise.