England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman insists Ellen White deserves the same recognition as Wayne Rooney as the Lionesses’ forward closes in on the national scoring record.

White was twice on target as England hammered Norway 8-0 as Wiegman’s side recorded the biggest win in men’s or women’s European Championship history.

England also became the first team in any Euros to net eight goals as they sealed top spot and a place in the knockout stages.

While it was a successful outing in Brighton on a team level, White also moved just one strike behind Rooney’s record 53 goals for England.

White was quick to insist that Rooney’s benchmark is not her priority after the game, before online trolls posted unnecessary questions surrounding the validity of her record in the women’s game.

Wiegman jumped to the defence of her star striker on Thursday as she spoke ahead of the group-stage clash with Northern Ireland, insisting talented ability is the same in the men’s and women’s game.

Record breaking, history making.

What a night in Brighton pic.twitter.com/1jd97KKZmw

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 12, 2022

“I just talk to my squad and to Ellen. Everyone can have their opinion, but I think what she’s done is amazing, really good,” Wiegman told reporters.

“The player and person she is in our team – such an important role. What she has accomplished on the pitch and also off the pitch is really, really great, and she’s so valuable for this team. So maybe I would say that to those people.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman – if you’re great, you’re great.

“For her to have achieved that, and the success she’s had over such a long time, that tells you everything you need to know.

“She’s been fantastic for England for a very long time, so of course it’s great to have her on my team.”

White will hope to at least equal Rooney’s record against Northern Ireland, who have lost all eight of their previous meetings with the Lionesses, scoring just two goals to England’s 44 in the process.