Germany 2006: Rooney Tipped to Shine
England's players are backing Wayne Rooney to be the catalyst for another World Cup qualifying win when they take on Azerbaijan tomorrow.
Rooney was outstanding in a deep-lying role as England beat Wales on Saturday.
He played behind Michael Owen and Jermain Defoe, with England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson set to keep faith with the formation in Baku.
"He's fantastic - he played in that deeper position and he can beat people and score goals," said Frank Lampard.
The England midfielder added: "He is a great talent and a pleasure to play with."
And with Paul Scholes retiring from England duty, Rooney's performance suggested that he could play in his role when the occasion demands.
Nicky Butt added: "You can't speak too highly of the lad.
"Every time he goes on to the big stage he performs to the highest ability - and that ability is second to none.
"It is now a case of allowing him to grow up and develop. Handling success doesn't seem too difficult for him as he's a very level-headed lad.
Rooney can be up there with the best - he can go all the way
Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones "He doesn't get carried away with the success he has had and it's a credit to him and his family."
Owen benefited from Rooney's creativity, saying: "He got on the ball a lot and when he gets on the ball we come off."
Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones, outstanding in defeat, set aside his disappointment to acknowledge Rooney's contribution.
He stated: "He plays with no fear and his pace and power caused us problems all afternoon.
"He can be up there with the best - he can go all the way."
Meanwhile, Lampard called on Eriksson's side to maintain the discipline and professionalism that should have earned them a bigger victory margin against Wales when they travel to Azerbaijan.
Analysis: Terry Butcher's verdict He said: "It's a tricky game. People will expect us to go there and win the game because they are minnows of world football.
"But we are going into unknown territory and we don't know what the atmosphere will be like. We'll have to be spot on with our attitude, as we were against Wales, play our football and get the three points."
Lampard also paid tribute to Real Madrid striker Owen, who had been criticised in the build-up to the game.
"He was fantastic," enthused Lampard. "It was a pressure game for him and his movement was great. The way he was beating people, chasing things down and getting down the sides was fantastic.
"The front three were all very sharp, played off each other, great movement, great youthful
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