Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal star player at World Cup 2010

Caps: 68
Goals: 22
World Cup appearances: 6 (2006)
World Cup 2010 qualification: 7 appearances/0 goals

Club: Real Madrid, Spain
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder/Striker

A World Cup without Ronaldo would have been unthinkable, but for a good part of Portugal’s qualification campaign, it was a genuine possibility.

Two wins from their first seven games left them fourth in their group and in danger of suffering a humiliating elimination. Three consecutive wins and a play-off triumph over Bosnia averted that fate, allowing Ronaldo the chance to shine on a stage where he has not always excelled.

Despite his phenomenal success for Manchester United and, following his world record transfer, Real Madrid – where he has scored nine goals in seven games so far – Ronaldo’s form for his country of late could best be described as subdued.

He played in seven on Portugal’s qualifying matches without scoring a goal; in fact, he has scored just once since Euro 2008, a nondescript penalty in a friendly against Finland in February.

Although currently injured, an extended break may just recharge his batteries in time for next summer. The bigwigs at Fifa – as well as a certain Wayne Rooney – would expect nothing less.

World Cup 2010: should Fabio Capello name Ledley King in final 23-man England squad?

England manager Capello has always insisted he will only take fully-fit players on the plane with him to South Africa.

And yet the perennially injured King - a player whose long-standing knee problems mean he cannot play consecutive matches for Tottenham - finds himself at the forefront of Capello's thoughts and in with a realistic shot of being named in the England squad for World Cup 2010.

But can England really afford to 'carry' a player who, although regarded as one of the finest centre-backs of his generation, suffers from a chronic knee complaint that could flare up at any moment?

Capello is certainly a fan of King. When the 29 year-old plays he is more often than not Spurs' best performer and he would have earned many more England caps than the 19 he currently has had it not been for the knee injuries.

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry are the England manager’s first-choice central defenders, with Matthew Upson almost certain to join them in South Africa.

King, therefore, is battling with Joleon Lescott, Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka to make the final 23-man squad.

Pick your England squad for World Cup 2010

When asked about King’s chances of making the final England squad, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said: "I think he will go to the World Cup. Ledley can play every six days and there are six days between games at the World Cup."

But is King really suited to playing tournament football, given his degenerative knee? Or is he too good to leave out?

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