With the 26-year-old Rooney suspended for the Three Lions' opening two group games, Welbeck is competing with Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe for a starting role against France and Sweden.

Rooney has welcomed the impact the youngster has had on the squad and told Sky Sports: "Danny has done very well.

"It's great to see him in the squad and great to see him get his first goal tonight.

"I think his loan spell at Sunderland certainly helped. He came back bigger and stronger and he started a lot of games for United this season and did really well."

Despite his imposed absence, Rooney is confident England can hit the ground running in their opening two games.

And the striker claimed that he is not expecting to be handed a place straight back in the starting line-up come the conclusion of his suspension.

"I'm confident we're capable of beating France and Sweden. We've certainly got the squad of players," Rooney said.

"You need some luck in those games but we're confident - you've got to be confident. If you are not then there's no point turning up.

"I hope I can work hard and keep on showing the manager what he wants to see. So, hopefully, I can get back in the team."

Pleased with his 37-minute run-out against Belgium on Saturday, Rooney is confident he is in good shape for the tournament, after a three-week break from match action, and is enjoying a well-earned rest before re-joining the England squad.

"It was a good run out, a bit longer than I expected," he said.

"It was nice to get back on the pitch to play.

"It's important to rest after a long season - it's nice to get that break.

"He (Roy Hodgson) did offer me another week off, basically, but I didn't think it would be fair for me to join up with the team and meet them just as we're flying out to Poland. I want to be part of the squad."