George: Rooney great but I was Best

Best, who believes that arrogance is a key part of a true genius' armoury, thinks that Rooney has the ability to join the greats and appears to have the right temperament.

"Is he better than I was at that stage?" Best asked the Daily Mail. "That would be the ultimate compliment.

"Nobody is better than I was at that stage. Call that arrogance or supreme confidence.

"I believe Wayne has the same cocky streak.

"We throw the word 'great' around, but with him it's no exaggeration.

"There are good players, there are great players and there are those few at the pinnacle - the Peles, Cruyffs and Maradonas - and that is where Wayne will be aiming; for the stars."

Meanwhile, England coach Sven Goran Eriksson still believes Rooney could be the key man for England if they are to win the tournament - comparing the teen to Brazilian superstar Ronaldo.

"Normally, the team that wins the big tournaments has the best goalscorer," said Eriksson.

"Just look at the last World Cup and the difference Ronaldo made for Brazil."

"For someone to be 18-years-old and doing what he's doing, scoring four goals and playing football like that, with good passes, holding the ball strong against the defenders, but also defending and coming back to help the team, is just perfect."