Ander Herrera believes Wayne Rooney is the best player to pull on an England shirt.
The England captain scored his 187th Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory against Everton on Saturday, after latching on to Ander Herrera’s inch-perfect pass.
Rooney's strike put him level with Andy Cole as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer, behind only Alan Shearer on 260.
Sir Bobby Charlton presents Wayne Rooney with the golden boot
And Spanish midfielder Herrera says he is a pleasure to play alongside.
"Wayne is our leader,” says Herrera. “He is the best English player in English history and we are lucky to have him.
"When he fights like he did today, we can be very proud of him. He has always helped me a lot."
Rooney, who was returning to his boyhood club, received a warm reception from the Goodison Park faithful.
They also greeted him fondly when he featured in the blue of Everton for Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial in August.
And on the day when club legend Howard Kendall sadly passed away, Rooney kept his celebration low key.
Something, Everton boss Roberto Martinez says shows the strong relationship between the Toffees and their former starlet.
Wayne Rooney's understated celebration at Goodison Park
"Maybe [it was] because it was the third goal and it would have been very different if it was a last-minute winner after we were winning," he said.
"From my time here there's always been a mutual respect. He's been a phenomenal footballer, he started at Everton and that deep down is always there.
"I think the Duncan Ferguson testimonial opened a really good option to show emotions and Wayne has always been clear in his affection towards the football club.
"Every Evertonian will tell you that we are always extremely proud of him developing at our football club."
“I think Wayne is an example for everybody”
Louis van Gaal Man Utd manager
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal also praised his captain, and said he was delighted to see England’s all-time record scorer further cement himself into the record books.
"I think Wayne is an example for everybody," the United manager said.
"Not only for his fellow players, but also for other players from other clubs and also for the manager, because he is a very social human being and he has a professional attitude.
"I could not imagine that when I was the coach of the Dutch national before I came to United. I had heard other things, but he has shown a fantastic attitude and I am very happy that he scored."
England have a series of high profile friendlies to prepare for the Euro 2016 Finals.
They face Spain in Alicante on Friday 13 November and their next home game comes four days later at Wembley Stadium against the hosts, France.
The game against Les Bleus on Tuesday 17 November is also a Breast Cancer Care International, supporting The FA's official charity partner. To get your tickets for the game, visit www.TheFA.com/tickets.
