Images of the top 10 players to look out for from Group D’s England, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Italy.
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Daniel Sturridge, striker (Liverpool); Age 24; 10 caps. His striking partnership with Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who England face in Sao Paulo on June 19, was key to Liverpool’s challenge for the title last season. Earlier this season equalled a 90–year–old Liverpool record by scoring in eight successive appearances. Cal Sports Media / AP -
Mario Balotelli, striker (AC Milan); Age 23; 29 caps. Ghanaian-born maverick who grew up with foster parents and later took Italian citizenship. Hugely gifted striker but question remains as to whether his talents or unpredictable behaviour will prevail. Prandelli has generally shown enormous faith in him, despite some public warnings, and Super Mario performed well at Euro 2012. His time at Manchester City was eventful off the pitch as well as on it – for example, the day he set fire to his own house with fireworks indoors. Antonio Calanni / AP -
Edinson Cavani, forward (Paris Saint-Germain) Age 27; 60 caps. Known as “El Matador”, he moved to Italy from Danubio at 20 to play for Palermo, before making his big move to Napoli in 2010 after the South Africa World Cup. Fast with good close control, difficult to dispossess, he is also a good header. Like Suarez, he hails from Salto. Buda Mendes / Getty Images -
Wayne Rooney, striker (Manchester United); Age 28; 89 caps. Would love nothing more than enjoying a successful World Cup after the disappointments of 2006 and 2010, he has played well in a transitional season at Old Trafford. Scored an audacious 58–metre goal against West Ham in March and with 38 England goals, is just 11 behind Bobby Charlton’s all–time record of 49. Matt Dunham / AP -
Joel Campbell, forward (Arsenal); Age 21; 31 caps. The speedy attacker signed for Arsenal in 2001 but has yet to make an appearance for the London side. He has instead spent three seasons out on loan at Lorient, Real Betis and last season Olympiakos, where he scored a superb long-range goal in a Champions League match against Manchester United this season. Keith C Cox / Getty Images / AFP -
Andrea Pirlo, midfielder (Juventus); Age 35; 108 caps. Deep-lying playmaker whose career found a second wind when he moved to Juventus after 10 seasons with AC Milan. The inspiration in Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning side, he missed two of their three games in South Africa through injury. An exceptional free kick exponent who likes to dictate the pace of the game, although some regard his style of play as old fashioned. Fabrizio Giovannozzi / AP -
Steven Gerrard, midfielder (Liverpool); Age 33; 109 caps. The Liverpool and England skipper will turn 34 at the end of May but there is no hint of a decline in his power or form. The finals will be his fifth major tournament following the Euros in 2004 and 2012 and the World Cups of 2006 and 2010. Is England’s third most–capped player after Peter Shilton (125) and David Beckham (115). Peter Powell / EPA -
Diego Godin, centre-back (Atletico Madrid); Age 28; 75 caps. Belongs to a select group of about a dozen players who have been with Tabarez from the start of the coach’s second tenure which began in 2006. Usually keeps a low profile but is a physical defender with good control. Scored the goal that clinched the Spanish league title for Atletico and netted in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid. Jose Sena Goulao / EPA -
Bryan Ruiz, forward (PSV Eindhoven); Age 28; 61 caps. The captain of the national team is a right-footed attacking midfielder who can operate further up the pitch as a second striker. He currently plays for Dutch team PSV, whom he joined in January on loan from English Premier League side Fulham. Has been a key player for the Dutch club since moving.
In pictures: World Cup 2014 – 10 to watch in Group D
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