England, Striker
Since bombing out in '06 on a red card, England's one-man strike force has had a calmer head. And a better one: he nodded in seven straight goals in one '09 stretch
Stat: Was second highest scorer in England, with 26 goals in '09-10
View the full list for "11 World Cup Players to Watch"
Brazil, Defender
An end-to-end back and the face of a new-look Brazil, he is a menace on offense too; just check out his juggling act and strike for Inter against Juventus on YouTube
Stat: Helmed a defense that ceded 0.6 goals per game in qualifying
Argentina, Winger
His stop-and-go moves and brazen attacks make him the most exciting player in Europe — but can he blend in with Argentina's talent and all-new tactics?
Stat: Won European Footballer of the Year by a record margin
2009 ·News Issues Events by TNB