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 Wayne Rooney
England | Forward Age: 20 Having arrived in Germany with many doubting whether he would even take part after breaking two bones in his foot just six weeks before the finals, Rooney defied medical opinion by making his World Cup debut in England's second match against Trinidad and Tobago. Perhaps not surprisingly, the 20-year-old has yet to hit full speed in an England team that itself has failed to live up to the pre-tournament hype. But Rooney showed flashes of brilliance in England's labored second round win over Ecuador and, more importantly for England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, came through 90 minutes as a lone striker without aggravating his injury. With Michael Owen ruled out by injury, Rooney is England 's only proven international forward. Even two years ago, England were so dependent on Rooney that their Euro 2004 chances were effectively ended when he limped out of their quarterfinal against Portugal -- coincidentally also with a broken foot. Another quarterfinal offers a chance to make amends. Rooney had lit up the tournament in a manner reminiscent of Pele at the World Cup of 1958, persuading Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson to break the bank to bring him to Old Trafford. When fit, Rooney's combination of strength, speed and skill make him almost unstoppable and, although not an out-and-out goalscorer, his influence on a side lacking many attacking options cannot be underestimated. 
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