Maradona backs Rooney for glory
Diego Maradona believes Wayne Rooney can inspire England to World Cup glory.
Maradona, who led Argentina to the title in 1986, also believes England have the best chance of any European side in next year's tournament.
He told The Sun newspaper: "Wayne is the English player with the most natural talent and desire in the game.
"You can't be a saint and still be successful in football. It's a tough, physical game and nobody gives you anything for free."
Rooney's style of play has been likened to the former Argentina star in his prime.
But the 20-year-old has been castigated in the past for his fiery temperament, although Maradona believes it is one of his great strengths.
"His temperament is a positive, not a negative," added Maradona. "It will make him fight on the field and conquer adversity."
Maradona's Argentina are among the favourites to win the World Cup in Germany this summer, with Brazil and England also heavily fancied.
He said: "For me, England have the best chance of all the European teams at next summer's World Cup finals in Germany.
"But Brazil look stronger than ever - they have fantastic forwards like Kaka, Ronaldo, Adriano and Ronaldinho and the difficulty for the coach is fitting them all in.
"Argentina also have a very talented young team. I see Lionel Messi as my natural heir in the side.
"Carlos Tevez and Hernan Crespo are also great talents and I think they could do it next year."
