Franz backs Rooney for England glory

WAYNE ROONEY’S brilliant form this season could lead England all the way to victory in the World Cup final in July, according to Franz Beckenbauer.

Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup with West Germany as both a player and coach, said that although Rooney was universally recognised as a “brilliant player” before this season, he had taken his game to new heights.

“He is doing an absolutely fantastic job for Manchester United and I must tell you that we at Bayern will fear him when we play United in the Champions League quarter-finals,” Beckenbauer said last night.