Since his debut as a 16 year-old with Everton, no player has done more to challenge David Beckham for column inches than Wayne Rooney. His move to Manchester United thrust him even further into the spotlight.

 

Rooney possesses the ability to influence a match like few others in the world. With his temperament in check and his all-round play, from scoring with his head or either foot to chasing back to win the ball in his own half, Rooney is the talisman for the English challenge on South Africa 2010.

Rooney made his international bow in 2003 and played in Euro 2004 where he scored four times before being injured in the quarter final against Portugal, a match England lost. He won the League Cup in 2006 but later broke a metatarsal bone and was doubtful for the World Cup. Drastic measures were taken to get him fit but despite making the squad he never regained full fitness and could not prevent England once again falling at the quarter-final stage.

Under Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney has won both Premier and Champions becaLeague honours. However, success with England would eclipse any of his previous achievements.