Wednesday 10 October 2012 15:47, UK
Wayne Rooney is ready to assume the 'Eric Cantona role' for England and help to nurture his young team-mates.
As the post-Terry era begins, Rooney is happy to accept the Chelsea skipper's absence leaves a big hole for others to fill. "He was fantastic for us" said Rooney. "JT is an old-fashioned centre-half, who is not afraid to get his foot in. "Together with Paolo Maldini, he was one of the two toughest defenders I have played against "He has made his decision to retire and we have to respect it. But he will be a loss to us." Rooney, facing the media ahead of the Wembley game, also spoke about the Ashley Cole Twitter row. Rooney has in excess of five million followers, the highest figure for a British sports star. "It is a good way for the fans to see a different side of you," he said. "I don't try and get involved because you do get a bit of stick on it and obviously, I know everything I put on there is seen by everyone who follows you and it will be in the newspapers the next day, so I have to be careful. "I didn't go on it to see how many followers I could get. But it is incredible the amount of support I get."
