Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has praised Wayne Rooney's talent and experience, adding that those who believe the current Three Lions skipper should not be at Euro 2016 'don't know what they're talking about'.
The Manchester United striker could win his 112th England cap in their first Group B game against Russia on Saturday, and his one-time club and country colleague believes that Rooney's presence in the squad will be a vital factor for many of the younger players.
Speaking in Paris, Ferdinand told reporters: "[Rooney] is invaluable. He's somebody who all the young players now will be looking to.
"There'll be moments in that tournament, whether it's in the training ground, whether it's in the hotel or on the pitch, where they'll look around and think 'who the hell can I look at to give me a bit of guidance?' - and he's that guy.
"That's why, when people were saying he shouldn't be flying over there, you don't know what you're talking about."
Seven of England's 23-man squad are aged 22 or younger, and the team is the youngest competing at Euro 2016.
Giuseppe Labellarte
