France defender Lilian Thuram believes England’s 18-year-old striker Wayne Rooney is too inexperienced to make an impact in Euro 2004.
The Everton striker has scored five goals in 13 England appearances, including two against Iceland last Saturday. But Thuram, set to meet Rooney when England meet France on Sunday, believes the youngster is not ready to prosper at international level.
“I doubt how much Rooney can give to England,’ said the Juventus defender.
“He is very young – too young for such a hard competition like this.
“He lacks international experience, so for England to depend on him to score their goals is dangerous.
“Rooney is not Michael Owen – he was a far better player on his debut for the England team. The Everton player is good, but he is no Pele.”
