Ronaldo Makes Marcus Rashford Comparison, Talks Wayne Rooney, Euro 2016 and More

Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford has received one of the biggest compliments a young striker could hope for after Brazil great Ronaldo confessed he sees a lot of himself in the Englishman. Plus, the former Real Madrid ace has tipped England for UEFA Euro 2016 glory—but added that captain Wayne Rooney's form is key. 

Rashford's emergence as a Premier League name to watch has yielded a long list of comparisons, but now one of football's most celebrated names has heaped more pressure on his shoulders (h/t the Sun's Sarah Boyall):

Rashford is currently in the running to bag a surprise place in manager Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad, and the teenager topped a breakthrough campaign by recently winning United's under-18 Player of the Year award:

Football's elite have taken notice of the Red Devils academy graduate after he netted seven goals in his first 15 senior outings for United, scoring a brace against Arsenal during his Premier League debut in late February.

Big things are already expected of Rashford following such a stellar first few months in United's senior ranks, but now he bears the expectations of a player regarded by many as the best striker ever to grace the game.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Ronaldo also spoke highly of United leader Rooney, who only recently made his return to fitness after two months on the sideline and is currently attempting to re-establish himself in Hodgson's England plans.

As is natural in a captain, it's as much Rooney's character as his ability that earned the admiration of Ronaldo, a significant factor considering Rooney's goalscoring form has declined severely in the past year:

"

He’s amazing as a person — I have met him before — and as a player. He’s an icon for England. He was playing a little bit behind the striker in midfield in that game. He was very good. He’s a worker. I’m sure that he will play. He’s the captain. He can still give England his best performances.

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Commentator Matt Cooper outlined the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and other strikers as big competition for Rooney, despite the fact he's been more present in midfield for United of late:

Three Lions supporters will certainly hope Rooney's best days aren't behind him, but Ronaldo insisted one need only look to the team's Euro 2016 qualification record as evidence they stand a chance in France.

The ex-Barcelona and Inter hitman said: "In the qualifiers they had 10 matches and 10 victories. I think England are the favourites to win. You have the best qualifying performance. I would love to see England win. In England people love football so much, you deserve to win with the national team."

England begin their campaign in Group B on June 11 and find themselves matched against Russia, Slovakia and local rivals Wales in a pool they'll most likely consider winnable—and Ronaldo would appear to as well.