England's Jack Wilshere has rated Wayne Rooney as the national team's best player.

Despite being kept out of the starting line-up by the new role of Rooney, the Arsenal midfielder was full of praise for the Three Lions captain in the wake of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Russia in their opening Euro2016 match.

"He's fantastic," Wilshere said of the Manchester United captain.

"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."