The Three Lions’ roster features pugnacious forward Wayne Rooney, the unrivalled midfield duo Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and manager Fabio Capello brings discipline and focus to a squad that has sorely lacked both previously.

Rooney is at the peak of his abilities — the player England hopes will help end its 44-year World Cup drought. Just 24, Rooney is a singular talent on an England squad capable of going deep into the tournament.

Tenacious, powerful and immensely skilled, he can almost single-handedly determine a match’s outcome. “This is the best he’s ever been,” says Craig Forrest.