Wayne Rooney compares Spain superstars to him and Cristiano Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney praised Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal of Spain, drawing comparisons between the two and Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United player praised the two teenage Spanish wingers while cautioning England's defenders to watch out for them. 

After his incredible goal against France in the semifinal, Rooney asserted that Barcelona's Yamal would be full of confidence. He also mentioned that he saw similarities between the 17-year-old and himself from when he first made his Euro debut twenty years ago in 2004.

He continued by drawing comparisons between Williams' skills and the former player of Athletic Club, Cristiano Ronaldo, due to the latter's formidable physical stature on the field and his effortless ability to get past opponents.

Wayne Rooney said that, "England will need to defend well on the flanks against Spain because their brilliant two young wingers provide their main threat. Lamine Yamal will be full of confidence after his brilliant goal against France and he reminds me a bit of how I was at Euro 2004 – a teenager having the time of his life.

The former Manchester United midfielder added, "Fear? Young lads like him, Nico Williams and Mainoo haven’t lived long enough to know it or understand what it is. On the big stage of a European Championship, they’re just playing and enjoying it and having fun, and normally that’s the best way to play the game."

“England need to be really careful with him” : Wayne Rooney

The former Birmingham City manager added: "Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young. He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions. He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations and scores goals as well. England need to be really careful with him."

In the upcoming 2024–25 club football season, Williams and Lamine Yamal might also team up because it is rumored that FC Barcelona is keen to sign the Athletic Club player. For now, the young players' goal is to take home their first international trophy on Sunday in Berlin.