Football superstar David Beckham backed Wayne Rooney, whose place in England's starting lineup for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is in doubt.

In an interview with Mirror UK, Beckham insisted that Rooney deserves a spot in England's starting XI in the upcoming Brazil tournament, saying that the Manchester United striker still strikes fear into their opponents.

"When opposing teams see Wayne Rooney's name on an England team sheet, it still scares them," Beckham said.

The former England captain added that Rooney is still one of the best strikers in the world, but the 28-year-old forward is not just about scoring goals. According to Beckham, Rooney pushes his teammates to work hard for the team by serving as a good example.

"It's all about confidence with strikers, but Wazza has always been about more than just scoring goals," Beckham said of Rooney. "He's a goalscorer, but he works hard for the team and that is what Wayne's game has always been about. If he doesn't score goals, he's either assisting or creating something for the team. He is a creator as well as a scorer. Every time he has stepped out in an England shirt, he has always given 110%."

Former Manchester United player Paul Scholes recently made a controversial comment on Rooney, saying that the England international is on a decline - the reasons why England boss Roy Hodgson should drop him.

When asked about Scholes' comment, Beckham said that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but he insisted that Rooney had a lot of shining moments for Manchester United last season despite their well-documented struggles.

"I will always back Wazza because he is a great talent and a great player for England," Beckham said. "Scholesy knows Wayne as well and has been around him more than I have. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But I thought Wayne was the shining light for United last season when the team struggled a bit."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also recently expressed support to Rooney over Scholes' comment, saying that the Red Devils striker has been in terrific form for Manchester United last season.

"Paul Scholes is wrong. He's been Manchester United's best player at home and in Europe. He's been in terrific form," Gerrard told Mirror UK. "What I've seen from his performances in the United team, his form has been really positive."