At 18 Rooney netted four goals as he earned a place in UEFA's team of the tournament – and Lampard believes his fellow midfielder has all the attributes to make a similar impact at the World Cup in Brazil.
After watching Barkley shine on his first England start against Ecuador on Wednesday, creating the goal for Rickie Lambert after an exquisite solo run and lay-off, the fearless nature that was similar to Rooney’s is one that Lampard likes.
"There's a lot of similarities in there, in their build, where they come from and where they play"
Lampard compares Barkley to Rooney
"There's a lot of similarities in there, in their build, where they come from and where they play," Lampard said. "You can't deny that.
"Again, it's that fearlessness of youth. I see the similarities: great ability on the ball, running at people with the ball, and that's what you want to see.”
Lampard continued: "I think he's got the bit between his teeth. He's more No10 than I ever was but he's very good at receiving the ball and turning quickly.
"He's only going to get better. That's his first start so considering that when you look at him and what he's done, he's made the second goal and shown enough there that we can say that he deserves his place in the squad and he's a great addition.
"We go to Brazil next week and hopefully he's going to be confident which is great.”
Ross Barkley created Rickie Lambert's goal against Ecuador
And the wealth of youngsters at manager Roy Hodgson’s disposal is a good problem to have according to the veteran of 104 England caps.
"I don't think the manager would pick any player that he doesn't believe can start a game. That's a manager's choice,” said the 35-year-old.
"The good thing is that you've got a few of them lining up, putting in performances. Ox [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] did it, Raheem Sterling has done it with his performances for Liverpool and glimpses of Barkley. That's a great problem for the manager.
"It's great for the team to have players in those attacking areas who can make things happen.
"But when you've got players like that in a team, players who can run away from people and make things happen, then you're very happy.”
