Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney believes international colleague Steven Gerrard should have been honoured with the England captaincy much earlier in his career. The Liverpool midfielder is set to lead his country for the 32nd time in Friday night's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley.
"Steven has been one of the best in the world over the last 15 years," said Rooney.
"We look to him to give us that drive.
"I think he got the captain's armband a bit later than he should have. He should have been named captain earlier.
"He has adapted his game a little bit.
"He is not going forward as much as he used to but he has certainly got the ability to sit a bit deeper and play passes out.
"He is our leader and is going to be a really important player for us."
