The world's most expensive footballer is widely regarded as one of the most talented players on the globe and he has high praise for the former Liverpool winger who has turned things around well at Santiago Bernabeu following a tricky start to his career in Spain.
McManaman has proved the man for the big occasion for Real, scoring in both the Champions League final win over Valencia two years ago and notching the second in their semi-final victory over fierce rivals Barcelona on Tuesday.
McManaman's World Cup place could be in doubt after being left out of the latest squad by Eriksson and coming under severe criticism from the press despite his performances in Spain, and Zidane for one cannot believe that England would leave out a player of Macca's class.
"I was surprised when McManaman was left out of the last England squad. I couldn't believe they would ignore a player of his quality," said the French maestro.
"Now people are talking about the fact that maybe he will get his chance because David Beckham is injured.
"But McManaman is far better than just being a replacement for Beckham. McManaman should be in the starting line-up anyway.
"Picking him now would be a very smart move for Eriksson because McManaman is in the mood to start proving people wrong. If Eriksson gave him the chance he deserves, he could prove to all the people and to Eriksson he should have been there all along.
"I don't think he has really ever had a proper chance under Eriksson but he has proved over the years, for Liverpool, England and Real Madrid, that he is a leading player.
"If England do not pick him, it would be a terrible waste, both for the side and for McManaman. If they don't take him to the World Cup, they'll regret it."
Zidane knows a thing or two about winning international tournaments, and believes McManaman can make a real impact in The Far East this summer if faith is put in his ability.
The French could face England along the way to the final, and Zidane says that McManaman would improve England's chances of beating the World Cup holders, although he says that the French are still a class above.
"We are still as strong at the back with our captain Marcel Desailly, in the centre of defence.
"And now we also have a very clever attack with players like Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord, Christophe Dugarry and David Trezeguet, whereas in 1998 we were weaker offensively.
"We know we might have to play England in the second round but even though we are world champions that would not be an easy game for us.
"We know what good English players there are at Manchester United and Arsenal and I hope we don't meet them early. If we do, then of course I would expect us to win.
"Of course, if McManaman was playing in that game England might get a little bit closer."
