Wayne Rooney has praised his Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford, saying the teenager fully deserves his call-up to England's EURO 2016 squad.
The pair both netted in last Friday's victory over Australia in Sunderland and were yesterday confirmed in the 23-man party for this summer's finals in France.
England v Portugal
International friendly
7.45pm, Thursday 2 June
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
That marked some achievement for Rashford in particular, given the 18-year-old did not even make his United debut until late February.
And Rooney says his club-mate is more than worthy of his inclusion in Roy Hodgson's group to travel to France next week.
"I think the way he, first of all, came into Manchester United's team and performed from then until the end of the season has been incredible really, for his age," he told the media on Wednesday afternoon.
"I think he certainly showed what he can do in his first game for England – in a couple of minutes he got his first goal.
"I think what's pleasing about him is that his attitude is first-class, and that's shown around the hotel and on the training pitch.
"In my opinion – and obviously in Roy's in choosing him – he deserves it. He could be a real positive for us."
“I think what's pleasing about him is that his attitude is first-class, and that's shown around the hotel and on the training pitch.”
Wayne Rooney
Rashford's inclusion comes 12 years on from Rooney being named in the squad for EURO 2004, also as an 18 year-old.
But Rooney says he is not keen to burden the youngster with too much in the way of guidance ahead of this summer's trip away.
"For me, in this tournament, Marcus doesn't need much advice," said Rooney, now 30.
"Let him play. I think that, as a young lad, that's how you'll see the best out of him.
"In the future you can work on advice and instructions but, with some players, you just let them play – and I think he fits that category."
