Published: 16 November, 2014 
By PAUL COWLING at Wembley Stadium 

European Championship Qualifier 
ENGLAND 3, SLOVENIA 1 

THE "surprise" package that is Arsenal's Danny Welbeck scored twice as England came from behind to deservedly beat Slovenia on Saturday and take control of Group E qualification. 

After the match, coach Roy Hodgson paid tribute to Welbeck. "I have always believed in Danny," he said. 

"He was a surprise selection when he was first picked, but I am pleased that people are finally recognising his talents. 

"He does the business for the Arsenal and for England." 

Welbeck certainly does that, as he made it 13 goals in 31 appearances for England. 

In the 66th minute, Welbeck was on hand to prod home from just outside the penalty area to put England 2-1 up, after Adam Lallana's shot was parried by Samir Handanovic. His second, and England's third on 72 minutes, put the game to bed, as he exchanged passes with Raheem Sterling before drilling in a left-foot shot into the right-hand corner. 

"We were very disciplined," added Hodgson. "When we went a goal down, it was important to bounce back quickly." 

On 57 minutes, there was shock in the 82,000 crowd after Jordan Henderson headed into his own net from a Slovenia free-kick. For long periods of the match, it looked as if England would only need one goal. Now, suddenly, they needed two. 

Crucially, Wayne Rooney won and converted the penalty that drew England level just two minutes after Henderson's unlucky own goal. It was just the filip England needed. Rooney – clearly not weighed down by being presented with a golden cap before the match for a century of England appearances – was everywhere for England. 

"Wayne is very important to English football," said Hodgson. "It was very fitting that he was able to get his reward on the night. He has picked up his 100th cap, and he scores the all-important equalising goal. 

"We are delighted for him. It was a wonderful evening for Wayne." 

Rooney's penalty drew him level with Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves on 44 England goals, and the Manchester United striker will be hoping to go past that figure when England take on Scotland in a friendly in Glasgow on Tuesday evening. 

ENGLAND: Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Jagielka (Smalling, 89), Gibbs, Wilshere, Henderson, Lallana (Milner 79), Sterling (Oxlade-Chamberlain, 84), Rooney, Welbeck. 
Subs not used: Foster, Chambers, Barkley, Walcott, Downing, Berahino, Lambert, Forster 
Attendance: 82,305