Welbeck wants to fill Rooney void

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck believes he can step into Wayne Rooney’s shoes for England’s opening two games at Euro 2012.

Welbeck and Rooney have struck formed an impressive partnership up front for United this season, producing a haul of 36 goals between them during theur first full season playing together.

Welbeck, 21, claims he could not have progressed as far as he has without the help of Rooney, and is revelling in his role alongside him.

He told The Sun: “I owe Wayne a lot. He has been a terrific friend and a brilliant help to me. We have really forged a great partnership.

“And he is amazing during a game. He never stops yapping in my ear, telling me, ‘Daniel this’ and ‘Daniel that’.

“Wayne’s funny like that, he calls me Daniel on the pitch, even though most people call me Danny. Yet off the pitch it’s Danny or Welbz. Don’t ask me why.

“I’m so lucky he wants me to do well and is always trying to advise what’s best for me.

“You can’t buy that sort of insight. He knows what it’s like as a young player coming through in the Premier League and with England.

“Most people might not see this in him but he’s a real gentleman, too. They only see him on the pitch where he’s always very passionate and a fiery character.

“But if they could meet him they’d actually find he’s a really nice man.”