Brazil legend Pelé has backed Wayne Rooney and England to enjoy a successful World Cup by progressing through their difficult group.
The 73-year-old spoke exclusively to Sky Sports News today and praised the Manchester United forward and insisted he would have the Englishman in his starting team.
Although England are in a group containing previous World Cup winners Italy and Uruguay, Pelé expects them to qualify from Group D.
The legendary forward said: "it is a difficult group but I think England could pass. Of course today it is very, very even; the majority of the players play in Europe, like Brazil.
"Brazil have 11 players playing in Europe. England have a difficult group but I think they could pass.
"The World Cup is a very short tournament and the experienced players always do well.
"Wayne Rooney has not scored [in a World Cup final stage] but he was fantastic for the team. He was always the player who fought more for the team – I would like him in my team, you know!"
As mentioned by Pelé, Rooney is yet to score in a World Cup but the England striker will be hoping to change that, and also help his nation beat the odds by making it through group D.
