Charlton has 49 goals for his country and Rooney's recent burst over the last year puts him more than halfway there, on 25, with next week's friendly against Brazil another chance to add to his tally.

United and England legend Charlton is tipping Rooney to eventually set a new benchmark.

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," he said. "I would be dead chuffed if that happened.

"I think he is a terrific player, inspirational, and people like him. As along as he doesn't get suspended for arguing with referees or doing something daft on the pitch - he is learning rapidly and doing less and less of that."

Charlton was at Wembley for the unveiling of a bust of Sir Alf Ramsey, the manager of the 1966 World Cup-winning team which he played in.

He sees similarities between Ramsey and current boss Fabio Capello, in terms of them both being disciplinarians.

"He reminds me of Fabio Capello. No question," he said. "His history has always been as a tough character but he gets teams to listen and perform to their best.

"I think England have a great chance of winning. I'm not getting carried away because it's a tough game and you are playing against the best in the world. It would be sensational if we could win but I don't want to put any more pressure on them."

Capello spoke of his emotion as he unveiled the bust of Ramsey, the man he wants to emulate at the World Cup next year.

The sculpture, crafted by Philip Jackson, will be displayed in the tunnel area at the national stadium and will have a presence on match days, offering Capello and his men a reminder of Ramsey's achievements 43 years ago.

World Cup winners including Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and George Cohen joined Charlton at Wembley to honour the late manager who guided them to World Cup glory.

"It is not easy for me to talk in front of world champions, it's very emotional," said Capello, who unveiled the bust alongside a replica of the Jules Rimet Trophy.

"I saw the England final on TV and remember everything, and now I am England manager.

"I remember my history in football and the first time I met Sir Bobby Charlton, it's magical for me and incredible to be here among these players.

"I think all the fans hope that the new (World) Cup will be here (at Wembley)."

Capello's preparations for South Africa will continue when his side travel to Qatar to face Brazil in Doha, with a host of players struggling for fitness ahead of the friendly.

Ben Foster has not played recently for Manchester United, while Rio Ferdinand is injured for Sir Alex Ferguson's side and Steven Gerrard has also been sidelined.

Right-back Glen Johnson has also been injured recently, so Gary Neville could come back into contention. In attack Carlton Cole limped off in midweek for West Ham against Aston Villa, who had James Milner out.