FIFA World Cup 2006 Germany. Players to watch at the 2006 World Cup including Wayne Rooney, Ronaldinho, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Gabriele Heinze and Jon Terry.

The Real Madrid stopper has long been viewed as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Athletic and strong, Casillas has saved both this club and the national team as last line of defence on many occassions and if Spain are to finally make a real impact at FIFA World Cup Finals they will have to no doubt rely on this man to help them in their aim.

Yet another product of the long catalogue of Brazilian master classes. Recently snapped up by Real Madrid of Spain, Cicinho is in the same mould as Cafu and Roberto Carlos. A pacy, flank player who unlike his defensive compatriot Roberto Carlos, seems to concentrate more on defence and providing steady attacks rather than bustling runs down the line.

Although currently injured, when he is fit, the Argentinian left-back (or centre back) has proven why he his considered one of the best defenders in the world. Quick, strong and not afraid to shirk a tackle. Heinze is a key rearguard component for both club and country.

Viewed by many (especially in West London!) as the best centre back in the world and future captain of the English national side. Terry is a no-nonsense defender who's superb ability in the air also means he poses a definite threat in attack from set piece plays. Not many attackers will get the better of him in Germany.

A mainstay of the Bayern Munich defence for several seasons before returning to Serie A with AS Roma at the start of the 2005/2006 campaign. Kuffour will be one of Ghana's most experienced assets as they embark on their debut in the FIFA World Cup Finals. His experience in defence will be crucial to their progress. He should also have good knowledge of the arena's the country will play their fixtures at from his time at Munich.

What else can be said about FC Barcelona's talismatic sensation? Already won honours with country, club and on a personal level, his talent is unquestionable. Along with the other two R's (Ronaldo an Rivaldo) he inspired Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002 and his evident improvement since that tournament makes him a strong favourite to lead his nation to success again in Germany.

Relatively unheard of until Japan/Korea 2002 where his home nation sensationally reached the semi-finals. Since then he has also prominently figured in PSV Eindhoven's remarkable run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2004-2005 before earning himself a move to English giants Manchester United where he has already become a firm favourite with his bustling attacking runs and creativity. South Korea will look to him again to inspire their attacking play in Germany

Shortlisted for both European and World Player of the year this past season and an integral piece of Chelsea's championship winning jigsaw. It may have taken Lampard longer than expected to earn a regular berth in the national side but since Paul Scholes retired he has made the role his own. There are fewer more creative midfielders than he and his goalscoring record is also remarkably good for a midfielder.

Will look to shine once again after being a major part of Germany's run to the final in 2002. Now on home territory, Ballack will be inspired and looking to prove why he is seen as one of the worlds best players. Strong in the tackle, creative and a good eye for goal, expect him to be a major factor in how the home nation performs in the tournament.

Will hope to make up for his Euro 2004 tournament being cut short by injury. Until then he was England's player of the tournament and was still only 18 years of age. He has since made a £27m switch from Everton to Manchester United where already he is viewed as the key player in their quest for further honours. Primarily a striker but he has already proved that wherever he play he creates something from nothing and there is little doubt amongst everyone that he will be one of the main performers at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany.

A surprise inclusion here you may think but Viduka will have the majority of Australia's goalscoring burden in Germany and is possibly their most experienced player in terms of European experience after his time at Leeds United. Not the quickest but he is extremely strong with a superb eye for goal who can unrest any defender on his day and his country will hope he can fire them into the knockout stages in their first appearance for over 30 years.