STEVEN Gerrard believes Wayne Rooney is “the best player in the world” at the moment and will be key to England's hopes of success at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

STEVEN Gerrard believes Wayne Rooney is “the best player in the world” at the moment and will be key to England's hopes of success at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Gerrard, who will skipper England in their friendly against Egypt on Wednesday, thinks the Manchester United striker must maintain his current form if the national side have any hope of glory in the summer.

“For England, I hope Wayne can sustain the way he is playing until mid-July,” said Gerrard.

“His form this season has been special and I agree with Sir Alex Ferguson in that he is now in that bracket of world class and is up there with the top players in the world.

“From England's point of view, if Wayne can continue that kind of form until the summer he is going to be a key player for us.

“There are a lot of good players in the England squad but, the form Wayne is in, it is vital that we can keep him fit.

“Everyone will have their fingers crossed he can avoid injury and he is fit and in this form going into the World Cup.

“At the moment, on current form, Wayne is the best player in the world, in my opinion.”