England boss Fabio Capello has likened Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to Real Madrid legend Raul.

Capello again described Rooney as "a leader" who he believes will one day captain England. The Manchester United forward earns his 50th cap in tonight's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley.

"Rooney reminds me of Raul when I first went to Real Madrid," said Capello. "For the movement, for the passion, for the leadership on the pitch. He's very similar because, when I became manager there, Raul was 19, very young. But he was a leader in the team."

Asked, then, if 23-year-old Rooney could one day captain his country, Capello said: "Why not? We have a good captain at the moment, but why not?"