Wayne Rooney hails "fantastic" Ross Barkley

England striker Wayne Rooney has backed Ross Barkley to light up this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Barkley worked his way into Roy Hodgson's squad for the tournament with a series of impressive displays for Everton during the 2013-14 Premier League season.

The 20-year-old midfielder, whose playing style and graduation from Everton's youth setup has drawn comparisons with Rooney, impressed the Manchester United striker throughout the campaign and during England's warm-weather training camp in Portugal.

"He is fantastic. I've been watching a lot of the Everton games and seeing what he has done there is great, having a young English lad coming through like that," Rooney is quoted as saying by PA.

"Training with him and seeing him up close is great. He has got so much talent and if he gets his chance, I am sure he will do fantastic and he can light this World Cup up."

Barkley has only made three substitute appearances for England so far but is expected to start at least one of the Three Lions' World Cup warm-up matches.