Mason Greenwood responds to Wayne Rooney’s Harry Kane comparison
Mason Greenwood said he was honoured to receive praise from Wayne Rooney.
Rooney has pinpointed Manchester United starlet as a potential Harry Kane replacement for England, pointing to his natural goalscoring ability.
The Reds legend is not the only figure in football to heap praise on Greenwood, with Alan Shearer predicting the 19-year-old will break the Premier League goalscoring record.
Speaking to World Soccer Magazine, Greenwood said receiving high-profile praise is welcome but he needs to stay grounded.
He said: “Obviously it’s nice to hear those things but it’s all about staying focused and proving your point on the pitch.
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“To hear things like that off Wayne, obviously a United legend, is amazing.
“I watched him as a kid, so for him to be talking about like that put a big smile on my face. But I know it’s really important to stay level-headed.”
Greenwood did not play down the idea of challenging Kane for an England starting spot, though.
Speaking of his time so far in England’s squad, Greenwood said he feels he can rival more experienced national teammates for a place in Gareth Southgate’s side – arguing it is no different to the position he finds himself in at Old Trafford.
Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes’ brace set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on course for a third successive win, with Marcus Rashford and Daniel James also on the scoresheet.
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“I feel ready to compete with anyone,” he said.
“Competing for England is just like being in the league – you have to go out there with a smile on your face and just play football. That’s what it’s all about.
“Obviously when the squad is together, England is a team, and it’s good that everyone is pushing for places. It makes training better and hopefully makes the game better.”
Greenwood also paid tribute to Kane, revealing the Tottenham Hotspur star was the player he was most excited to meet when he first linked up with England.
He said: “I watched him in the Premier League when I was in the youth team and he’s obviously a great finisher.
“He’s a role model.”
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