Ferguson: Welbeck the solution in England's hunt for Rooney replacement at Euro 2012

Tipped for the top: Danny Welbeck (right)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed his 20-year-old striker Danny Welbeck to fill Wayne Rooney's boots at Euro 2012.

Ferguson picked Welbeck ahead of Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez for the big game against Liverpool and was rewarded when the young Mancunian set up United's late equaliser for substitute Hernandez in a 1-1 draw.

The United boss, normally cautious in pushing the claims of his younger players, has made an exception with Welbeck and predicts Fabio Capello will now turn to the rangy striker following Rooney's three-match ban after his sending-off against Montenegro.

'I think Welbeck is ready for it, I really do,' said Ferguson. 'He's got a talent as good as anyone in the game for the forwards. I think he's almost certain to get his chance now. He's confident, intelligent and certainly got the technical skills. He has a great belief in himself.'

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Ferguson's endorsement could be significant in Welbeck getting the nod ahead of rivals Andy Carroll, Darren Bent, Bobby Zamora and Jermaine Defoe when England play their friendly against Spain on November 12.

Capello has already said Rooney will not start the game as he explores the best way to cope without him for the group games at Euro 2012.

Welbeck's movement to lose Jamie Carragher and head on Nani's corner for Hernandez saved United from their first defeat of the season.