Euro 2016

England captain Wayne Rooney: 'Marcus Rashford deserves Euro 2016 place'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 01 June 2016

Wayne Rooney praises "incredible" Marcus Rashford after his young Manchester United teammate was included in England's Euro 2016 squad.

England captain Wayne Rooney has backed Marcus Rashford to impress at Euro 2016 after being a surprise inclusion in the 23-man squad.

The 18-year-old is one of five strikers, including Jamie Vardy, Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge and Rooney, selected by manager Roy Hodgson for the finals in France.

Rashford made his Manchester United debut just three months ago, and on his Three Lions bow last Friday, the teenager became the youngest ever England player to score on his debut after netting three minutes into his team's 2-1 win over Australia.

"The way Marcus took to coming into the Manchester United team and the way he has performed has been incredible for his age," Rooney told reporters in today's press conference. "He certainly showed what he can do in his first game for England.

"What is pleasing about him is his attitude. In my opinion, and in Roy's, he deserves it. It is great for the team to have options in strikers. You need that going into a tournament."

England's opening group game will be against Russia on June 11.