Steven Gerrard has backed Wayne Rooney to win I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, describing his former England teammate as the "best player I've ever played with for England."
Gerrard spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview on the red carpet at the Football for Change gala at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday night. The event, founded by Jamie Carragher, Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold, brought together stars from football, music and entertainment to raise money and awareness for creating brighter futures for young people across the UK.
The ECHO was on the red carpet as guests arrived, including Gerrard, Coleen Rooney, Carol Vorderman and Toni Duggan.
Support for the city
Speaking about being part of the event, Gerrard said: "To be honest with you, I'm here for Jamie Carragher, I'm here for the people of the city. I love trying to give a little bit back for our city, people who need a little bit of help a little bit of support. I've been there myself, I'm from a council estate in Liverpool."
The 46-year-old also discussed Rooney heading into the I'm A Celebrity jungle. The ITV reality series starts on Monday, with two Scousers taking part this year, Claire Sweeney and Wayne Rooney.
Rooney tipped for success
The two Scouse football legends have known each other for many years, playing alongside each other internationally from 2003 until Gerrard's international retirement after the 2014 World Cup. They share a background of growing up in Merseyside, with Gerrard from Huyton and Rooney from Croxteth.
Gerrard wished Rooney luck Down Under, telling the ECHO: "I'm ready to support him. I think he's going to win it because he got me through many England trips, and I don't think he realises how much I love him."
He added: "I love all the family. He's a proper Scouser and I'll be standing shoulder to shoulder with him right through it."
Family support
Rooney is part of the 2026 line-up for the ITV reality show, hoping to follow in his wife Coleen's footsteps, who took part in the programme in 2024. Coleen finished in second place behind McFly's Danny Jones, who was crowned King of the Jungle.
Coleen recently shared a message to Wayne after he landed in Australia, telling fans: "I just want to say a massive good luck to Wayne going in the jungle. I can't believe he's actually going in. But he's there and ready to go, and me and the kids can't wait to watch. I hope you all enjoy it."
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here returns on Monday night at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 11 celebrities will be heading into the iconic jungle, including Chloe Burrows, AJ Odudu, Joanna Page and Ade Adepitan.
