Both Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard arguably two of the teams most vital players will go into the tournament feeling like they have something to atone for. Going into a huge tournament like the World Cup feeling like they have a point to prove could well result in these two intensely competitive players giving some of the greatest performances of their careers thus far. Poor old Gerrard will still feel personally accountable for the collapse of Liverpools title bid as the goal he served up to Demba Ba spelled the beginning of the end to their hopes of being champions. Expect the England captain to be utilised in the so-called quarter-back roll sitting just above the defensive line to implement his sublime long passing to pick the opposition apart. Gerard will see what will likely be his last World Cup as a chance to redeem himself for Liverpools faltering at the final furlong. Rooney has for nearly half-a-decade been the player everybody has touted as being the most talented on the national squad, but has never actually performed at important international competitions. The 28-year-old was red carded in 2006, disappointed in 2010 and suspended for half of 2012 because of an over-zealous tackle on Montenegros Miodrag Džudovi. It is understandable that a frustrated Fabio Capello would observe that Rooney only plays well in Manchester after the 2012 Euros. This is Rooneys last real opportunity to impress at the World Cup while he is still at the peak of his athleticism; look to Wazza to have the big tournament we all know hes got in him.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
