Having worked his way through the Everton academy, a 16-year-old Rooney shot to the world's attention with a stunning goal against Arsenal in 2002 and showed skill beyond his years before Manchester United signed him for around £30 million after the 2004 European Championships - in which he had played a starring role.
The powerful striker made an immediate impact with a hat-trick on his debut and went on to help United to three straight Premier League titles between 2006-2009, while also collecting numerous personal awards. In September 2008, Rooney became the youngest player in league history to make 200 appearances and, while he has been accused of failing to control his temper, remains one of the most important players in the side for club and country.
Wayne Rooney: If England are going to win the World Cup then Rooney has to recapture his best goalscoring form before his late season injuries. If Rooney gets it right, England will get it right. Emile Heskey's selection was a reward for past deeds, rather than recent form, as Aston Villa fans can testify. If Heskey can reprise his partnership with Rooney from the qualifying campaign, it will be justified. The danger is that England have been burdened with a forward who does not score and who thus puts more pressure on team-mates to come up with the goals.
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