David Beckham backs England captain Wayne Rooney

Rooney (left) played with Beckham (right) when the latter was captain of England

Former England captain David Beckham has backed current skipper Wayne Rooney to be a success in the role.

Manchester United striker Rooney led England for the first time as official captain in Wednesday's win over Norway.

And 39-year-old Beckham, who captained England in 59 of his 115 caps, believes Rooney will lead by example.

"Wayne will get the best out of the players, he has always played with his heart on his sleeve," Beckham told the Daily Mail.

"He will work hard, play hard, that's the way he is and he will lead by example. I never hid as captain and Wayne has never hidden either, even when he has had difficult times on the pitch by not scoring or not had a great game.

"I made mistakes when I was captain of the country and did silly things but I grew into it and it made me more mature.

"You realise you have a real responsibility on and off the field. You have to lead by example.

"You will never see him not working. That will be one of his strongest qualities.

"Rooney is the leader and Roy (Hodgson, manager) has his plans with the players we have. Raheem Sterling is performing at Liverpool and so is Daniel Sturridge. Danny Welbeck is strong too."