Position: Midfielder
Born: 20.01.81
Club: Bayern Munich

A regular for the German double winners, and one of the most versatile players in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad - but most England fans feel they are yet to see the best of Owen Hargreaves.

Born to British emigrees in Canada - with his father Colin a former Bolton player - Hargreaves' talent as a youngster was obvious to a Bayern Munich scout who encouraged him to move to Germany in July 1997.

He starred for their Under-19 side and made his Bundesliga debut in August 2000. Eligible to play for any of four countries, he chose England and made his Under-21 debut later that same month.

Hargreaves was by now making rapid progress, as Bayern triumphed domestically and in Europe. His performances in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and the final against Valencia impressed millions watching around the world.

Early the following season, Hargreaves made his senior international debut as he started the 2-0 home defeat against Holland. His second cap came on familiar turf, coming off the bench to play the closing stages of England's famous 5-1 victory over Germany in the Olympiastadion.

Hargreaves headed to his first World Cup in 2002 and was in from the start against Sweden and Argentina. But a collision with Michael Owen ended his tournament and, with midfield competition so fierce, his hopes of commanding a regular starting role.

Hargreaves has been a frequent substitute in England matches since, including three games at Euro 2004. Whether filling in at right-back or in his more traditional midfield role, he has been a reliable squad member for Eriksson and will soon pass the 30-caps mark.

However, his inclusion in the squad for World Cup 2006 - perhaps coming at the expense of a fifth striker - has frustrated many England fans who find it hard to understand Eriksson's loyalty to Hargreaves.