Steven Gerrard: Wayne Rooney Can lead us To World Cup Glory

England skipper Steven Gerrard believes that Wayne Rooney can separate himself as the World Cup’s brightest star.

After a tremendous season at Manchester United, Rooney is now considered one of the best players in the world, and the 24-year-old will be counted on to fire England to glory in South Africa.

Lionel Messi of Argentina and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo are also candidates to star in the World Cup, but Gerrard believes that Rooney is the player that can separate himself as the best in the world this summer.

"He is in a position to do that," Gerrard told Press Association Sport.

"Wayne's confidence is sky high. Physically he is in great shape and is coming off the back of an unbelievable season, probably his best.

"He is in the category of the best players and the stage is set for him to deliver because he can be England's main man and he can shoot us to glory, and the players around him make sure he's aware of it."

England will kick off their World Cup against the United States in their Group C opener in Rustenburg on Saturday.