The Real Madrid forward won the golden boot during his country's record-breaking sixth success in the Far East in 2002 but he has seen enough of Manchester United's Rooney to be wary of what the teenager can do.

Victories over Wales and Northern Ireland over the next five days would take England to the brink of qualification for the finals, where Ronaldo expects the 19-year-old to shine.

"In Wayne Rooney England have a player who can be one of the stars of the World Cup in Germany," Ronaldo told The Sun.

"He is a special talent, he's extremely strong and he has the quality to be England's main player.

"Rooney also makes scoring wonderful goals look easy. I see no reason why he will not have a great tournament."