Jermaine Jenas feels that Wayne Rooney is crucial to England's chances in Germany next summer.

Tottenham and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas has revealed that he believes Wayne Rooney will be absolutely crucial to England's hopes of glory at next summer's World Cup.

"Wayne is very important," Jermaine told BBC Sport. "I've watched him over the past few games and he is exceptional.

"If he can carry on in this vein for the World Cup he gives us a very good chance of winning the competition."

Jermaine is an established member of the England squad with 14 caps to his name and he cannot wait for the World Cup to begin.

He added: "England have got a realistic chance this time, we've got a great squad of players, world-class ones who have won trophies too.

"We are quietly confident against most teams, but we saw last time when Senegal beat France anything can happen and you have to be on your toes the whole time.

"If you come away winning the World Cup it's the biggest thing you can win in the game and of course it is one of my major ambitions."

Meanwhile Jermaine has lent his support to a scheme giving young Londoners with disabilities and mental health needs the chance to take part in sporting activities.

Jermaine is a Football Foundation Ambassador along with former world and commonwealth middleweight boxing champion Jason Matthews, and is proud of what has been achieved.

“As an Ambassador for the Football Foundation I already know of the great work they do,” Jermaine commented. “This new partnership between the Foundation, Haringey Mencap and the outstanding community scheme at Tottenham is set to deliver fantastic opportunities for many people.”

The project is run in association with Tottenham Hotspur FC, and will provide a sporting and educational experience for adults with learning difficulties and/or mental health needs.

It will also help create training opportunities for some 70 volunteers from the local area to provide football coaching and community sports provision.

Jeff Davis, The FA’s National Development Manager (Disability Football), said: “It is very pleasing to see the involvement of Jermaine, and it’s another indication that this will be a scheme with enormous benefits for the participants and the local community in general.”