Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton says Wayne Rooney has the ability to be regarded alongside greats like Pele and Eusebio.

In his column for the Mail on Sunday, however, Charlton warned: "I love Wayne to bits, as a player and as a lad. And obviously I have a special interest in him because he plays for my club, Manchester United.

"Wayne has it in him to become one of the greatest England players of all time and a World Cup star for years to come.

"People could mention him in the same breath as Pele, Eusebio or any of the legends. But I worry that Wayne may be asked by (Fabio) Capello to play up front on his own for much of this World Cup.

"That would be asking a lot of him and, quite frankly, I don't think he could sustain it.

"True, Wayne carried out what was virtually a lone striker's role for United this season - and he did it brilliantly. But if England are to win in South Africa, they will have to overcome the best defences in world football."