Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney is still "very important" for national side England due to his passionate displays.
The Three Lions skipper has been the subject of numerous debates in the build-up to Euro 2016, with questions being asked over his best position now that he is into his 30s.
Ronaldo has no doubt that Rooney still has a vital role to play for both club and country, however, and is excited by the prospect of meeting England with Portugal at this month's finals.
"A match against England would be very emotive for me - because of Wayne Rooney and because of many other things too," he told The Mirror. "Roo is now a leader and that's not a surprise.
"I was always convinced that he would be a star for England and, inevitably, captain one day. It's a perfect role for him after the era of Beckham and Terry. For me, the character and pride of Rooney is unique - he's still very important for England.
"I've watched some of England's recent matches and they have been good to watch. They could do well this time. For me, England always have a chance to do well in big tournaments and this time they are arriving in France with some interesting young players who have a big future."
Portugal begin their Group F campaign with a match against Iceland in nine days' time, while England's opening fixture sees them take on Russia in Marseille next Saturday.
Daniel Lewis
