Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has insisted that England legend Wayne Rooney would be his preferred option over another major star at the World Cup.
Rio Ferdinand watched first-hand Wayne Rooney’s incredible rise in football as a player, both playing alongside him for England and Manchester United.
Rooney was only a teenager when he made his debut for England under Sven-Goran Eriksson and when he completed his move to Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 40-year-old former Man Utd and England star is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of all time after his remarkable playing career for club and country.
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Rio Ferdinand on the comparisons and debates around Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney and England striker Harry Kane
Harry Kane has played a central role in England’s World Cup campaign and the in-form Three Lions ace has netted an impressive five times in four matches.
The 32-year-old Bayern Munich striker also eclipsed former Three Lions star Gary Lineker to become England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cup competitions.
Harry Kane, who was linked with Manchester United in the past, scored 61 times in 51 matches for Bayern Munich during his remarkable 2025-26 campaign.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand admitted that he would still want United legend Wayne Rooney as his main striker choice ahead of Kane for a match.
“We had dinner last night and we discussed this, right? And it was, let’s see what you all think as well,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“So, I’m putting Harry Kane head and shoulders above everybody else, right?
“But if I had a game and I was going to pick my striker for a game, I would still pick Rooney.”
Is this a little harsh on Marcus Rashford? Do you feel the same way?
Rio Ferdinand points to Wayne Rooney’s influence after his Harry Kane remarks
Rooney did not lift major silverware with England — nor has Harry Kane at the moment — but Man Utd’s all-time leading scorer was deeply influential for his side.
Ferdinand talked up his former Man Utd teammate by saying that Rooney’s impact would be felt for England, even if the former Three Lions striker did not score.
“I’d look at him, Rooney, like we said, Rooney just does… Rooney could not score a goal in a game, but still be Man of the Match and win the game without scoring,” he added.
Rooney, who represented England at both World Cups and European Championships, scored 53 times in 120 matches for the Three Lions in his career.
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