Most England fans are beginning to allow themselves the faintest of thoughts that their nation could actually lift the World Cup next year.

Along with Spain and Brazil, this England side under perfectionist Italian taskmaster Fabio Capello are widely thought to be in with a great shout of winning the greatest prize in the game.

It's the same 'golden' generation of players who floundered under both Sven and McLaren, but under the guidance of a manager who wins every competition he enters (eventually) there's an edge to England of having a new effectiveness and winning mentality.

But however good the coach and the system, you are still relying on the skill and quality of the players at hand. And none of the current batch of England stars are thought to possess as much talent as Wayne Rooney.

He scores goals, provides for team mates and leads from the front with the utmost passion and determination. In fact what would England's forward line look like without him?

Owen and Heskey - it didn't work that well almost a decade ago, why would it work now?

Crouch and Defoe - both Spurs strikers are deadly on their day, but are they anywhere near in the same class as Roo?

Are England actually just far too reliant on this one man to lead their line and lift the trophy? You decide.