Rooney becomes England's Gazza-style chief cheerleader at Euro 2012

London, June 14 (ANI): Wayne Rooney, who has been suspended from the Three Lions' first two games, has told of his pride at becoming England's Gazza-style chief cheerleader at Euro 2012.

It is said that coach Roy Hodgson offered him an extra week off before the team flew to their Poland base.

But Roo, dubbed Wazza, chose to spend extra time with the squad - and has boosted morale by helping the boys chill out between games.

He was pictured playing snooker with pal Ashley Cole and has larked with the squad's new recruits as they wind down on "recovery days".

His efforts echo those of fun-loving Paul Gascoigne, whose "daft-as-a- brush" antics raised English spirits at tournaments including Italia 90.

"I need to be more of a person around the dressing room and hotel, helping to get people relaxed more," the Sun quoted Rooney as saying.

"I've a job to do there as well as on the pitch when I come back playing.

"We've got a big squad and a good squad. I just have to make sure I'm in there, getting in among the lads and getting in the spirit with them," he added. (ANI)