Could Cantona Be The Key To Fix England’s Failings?

Wayne Rooney says that he wants to become a player like Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, with the striker claiming that this might be the key to taking England forward and finally winning a major tournament with the team.

Rooney has never had much luck for England, with the 26 year old putting in another lacklustre performance as the Three Lions bowed out of Euro 2012 in a penalty shoot-out to Italy in the quarter finals.

It seems that his form for United hasn't often translated to top-class performances for his country, but Rooney hopes that if he can channel Cantona's leadership skills he can show he's a worthy member of the squad as they prepare for the Brazil World Cup in 2014.

"I hope it is time for me to show I am a senior player and that I can lead the team," he told the Daily Mirror. "I understand the scrutiny I'm under and I have no problems with that.

"Hopefully in the near future we will be coming out of a tournament and you will all be praising me because we have won a trophy. That would be great for everyone.

"It's especially important now, when we have a lot of young players in the squad. I always try to speak to them and offer advice.

"I always remember what Sir Alex Ferguson says about how Eric Cantona was such a big help to the younger players at United."

Cantona was one of the most prolific goal scorers in United's history, though his performances for his country weren't as sound, with the star falling out with the then-France manager Gerard Houllier.

But Rooney still has the chance to make a legacy out of his career for both England and United, and though he knows he hasn't been up to standard for the former, the former Everton man is aiming to turn that around.

"Looking back at games and tournaments, I know I can do better," he explained. "Going into the next game, I always feel I am going to play well, and I'm confident. I wouldn't let the previous tournament or previous game distract me.

"I think I haven't played at my best but being honest as a team we can do better.

"So I am not going to win a tournament on my own. We need the whole team.

"I hope it is time for me to show I am a senior player and that I can lead the team. We have a lot of young players in the squad. I always try to speak to them and offer advice.

"There have been times when we can do better as a team, and been times where we have been unlucky. If you look at Italy and Portugal twice, going out on penalties, if one of those goes the other way you never know what will happen."