Position: Defender
Born: 18.02.75
Club: Manchester United

As one of the few squad members over 30, Gary Neville's experience will be a key factor if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side are to mount a serious challenge in Germany.

The Manchester United captain missed World Cup 2002 with a fractured metatarsal, the scourge of several of his England colleagues in recent seasons. A groin injury then caused him to miss the autumn qualifiers in 2005 but, although Luke Young impressed in his absence, Neville will surely be first choice in Germany - providing he stays fit.

His will to win remains an inspiration to younger players, but Neville is more than just a tough-tackling, vocal right-back. Marauding runs down the wing are still commonplace, and his crossing is often excellent - proof that his link-up play with David Beckham has lost none of its effectiveness, even though their days together at Old Trafford are long gone.

Neville's propensity to rely on the linesman has been known to backfire on occasions but serious errors are something of a rarity these days. Indeed his consistency continues to make him England's best option in his position.

After over 10 years of international football, Neville has also gained a reputation as a 'shop steward' in the national team camp, always the first to jump to the defence of a wronged team-mate - or Eriksson himself. Fortunately, that attitude is mirrored on the pitch and more than one England player is likely to need him to come to their rescue during the tournament.

• 10 Michael Owen
• 1 Paul Robinson
• 9 Wayne Rooney
• 6 John Terry