'I could do things he couldn't' — Wayne Rooney disagree on Harry Kane comparison

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney said that Harry Kane is the greatest English striker of all time; however, he insisted that the Bayern Munich forward has yet to surpass him as a footballer.

Two years ago, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker eclipsed Rooney to become England's top scorer. He scored in a 2-1 win against Italy, which took his tally to 54 goals, beating Rooney's 53. Since then, Kane has gone on to score 20 more goals and is now on 74 goals in 109 appearances.

The 32-year-old is currently having a sensational season with Bayern Munich, with 13 goals in seven appearances so far, the most in the top five leagues. This has earned him plaudits from fans and lately, Rooney, who praised his goalscoring abilities.

The former Three Lions pointman had an interview with Rio Ferdinand, and Kane was one of the topics of discussion. Rooney analysed Kane's qualities, explaining how he makes up for a lack of speed with intelligence.

"He’s developed that over the last few years. He’s a clever lad, Harry, and he knows he’s never been the quickest, but I think he’s lost a little bit of sharpness,” Rooney said.

“He scored, I don’t know how many goals last season for Bayern. He’s a goalscorer; he’s clinical, but he’s clever in terms of the positions he’s picking up.

"I watched Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup, and it was almost like (Francesco) Totti for Roma, where he’d drop in and there’s runners off of him.

“But gradually as the ball got further forward, and they might come back out and went back round the other side, he then makes his way in the box. So it's not a sprint, but he’s in there and he’s in and around there, and if he gets a chance, he scores. For me, he's the greatest ever England number nine."

Asked if Kane was a better footballer than him, Rooney disagreed, noting that he had certain qualities that the former Arsenal Academy man lacks.

"As a player, I’m not sure. I think I could do things which potentially he couldn’t. I was nastier than him as well, he said. "In terms of goalscoring, he creates goals. People say, ‘Oh, he’s scored against San Marino or this team.’ He scores every game. Does he play well all the time? No, but for me he’s above everyone."