Jack Wilshere has hailed Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, pointing out how he’s the Red Devils’ best player and claiming that he can still perform for England.

Jack Wilshere, who returned from a season-long injury just in time for the Euros, praised the former Evertonian ahead of England’s match against Wales on Thursday. He believes that the Three Lions’ midfield is ‘faultless’ and clearly stands by their ability.

“[Rooney]’s fantastic,” the 24-year-old said.

“I watched him towards the end of the season playing for United in that deeper role and people were saying ‘can he do it?’

I’m sitting there thinking ‘he’s doing it and he’s the best player on the pitch’.

“He’s that type of player who understands the game, he can pick up the ball, is comfortable on the ball and you saw his range of passing as well.

“I’ve said it before, I think he’s our best player and he has been for many years.

“To have someone like that in the team (is great) because also he can still play up front, in my opinion.

“He has been dropping into midfield and getting on the ball, which is fantastic.”

After drawing against Russia, anything other than a win for England could spell disaster. Wales are in a strong position after beating Slovakia in their opening match and they’ll fancy themselves to get a result.

Crashing out of another huge tournament so early would be massively embarrassing for England and it’s no wonder that the players are out in the press, talking each other up. They need to rally together and get the fans on side, particularly after the controversial week that’s just passed.