Rooney tipped to outgun Ronaldinho

Wayne Rooney will challenge Ronaldinho to be the player of the tournament at this summer's World Cup, according to Sir Bobby Charlton.

Barcelona's brilliant Brazilian is the current FIFA world player of the year and has today been shortlisted for another award, the Laureus world sportsman of the year.

Charlton said: "Every World Cup produces a great star. In my time I have seen Pelé, Cruyff, Maradona and Ronaldo, and this summer it could be Ronaldinho, though I have a sneaking feeling that Wayne Rooney will give him a real battle for it.

"It depends how well England do in the tournament, but Wayne is a player who thrives on pressure. The bigger the game, the better Wayne plays.

"Wayne and Ronaldinho both have amazing skill and control, but the Brazilian has a bit more experience than Wayne at the moment, but don't forget Wayne is just 20 while Ronaldinho is 26. I would be prepared to bet that Wayne Rooney at 26 will be an even more effective player than Ronaldinho."

In other Laureus awards, Liverpool have been shortlisted in the team of the year category, world marathon champion Paula Radcliffe in the sportswoman, Scotland's tennis sensation Andy Murray in the newcomer category and golfer Colin Montgomerie in the comeback category.

Laureus world sportsman shortlist: Fernando Alonso (Formula One), Lance Armstrong (cycling), Roger Federer (tennis), Ronaldinho (football), Valentino Rossi (MotoGP), Tiger Woods (golf).