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With England on the brink of World Cup qualification, we assess their leading players' contribution to the 2008/09 season. No prizes for guessing who lands the Player of the Season award...

David James: 6 out of 10

England's problem position in goal finds the error-prone Portsmouth keeper as the best of a dodgy bunch, although he could find his place under serious threat after his injury saw Robert Green keep two clean sheets in his first full appearances for the national team.

Rio Ferdinand: 7

Ruled out of recent matches by injury, Ferdinand has largely won over the doubters concerned by a playboy image and the fact that he plays for Manchester United. He has formed a formidable partnership with Terry, one of the best in the business.

John Terry: 8

Chelsea skipper Terry was named captain by Fabio Capello, with many questioning his reappointment after the failure to qualify for the European Championships. Terry's leadership and, on occasion, goals means that he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Ashley Cole: 6

Cole's unpopularity is almost entirely down to his off-pitch persona although the haters will claim the right to boo him for one mistake during the 5-1 home win over Kazakhstan. Comfortably England's best left-back, he was backed by his team-mates, coach and much of the public, although his delivery is still suspect.

Glen Johnson: 8

England's new first-choice right back, Portsmouth's Johnson is growing into the role but looked shaky early in the 4-0 win at Kazakhstan. The best player on the park in the 6-0 win over Andorra, he looks certain to retain his place if and when England qualify for the World Cup with Gary Neville ageing, Wes Brown injury-prone and Micah Richards out of favour.

Frank Lampard: 7

Once a target for the boo-boys, Lampard has been an ever-present in qualifying as he overcomes the doubts that he could form a partnership with Steven Gerrard. Capello must be given great credit for finding a way to accomodate England's two best midfielders

Steven Gerrard: 7

Scored the opener in a tricky win at Belarus, Gerrard is finally playing in tandem with Lampard - albeit in a less familiar attacking left-midfield role - and will be one of England's key players in South Africa even if he played no part in the famous win at Croatia due to injury.

Gareth Barry: 8

Solid if unspectacular, new Manchester City signing Barry works well with Gerrard and Lampard and got his first England goal in the 4-0 win at Kazakhstan. Rarely gives the ball away and lets the others play. Most importantly, however, he always plays when not suspended.

Theo Walcott: 8

Has not hit the heights since his hat-trick in Croatia, but the Arsenal man has given England the width and pace they otherwise lack going forward. A constant threat, if a touch inconsistent, he is one of Fabio Capello's favourites.

David Beckham: 7

Beckham has cemented a place in the England squad after impressing Milan enough to leave the fans begging for a permanent deal. Usually brought off the bench, Beckham is both an attacking option with his set-plays and crosses, and a game-closer thanks to his ability to keep the ball. Finished off the season with a start and a fine performance against Andorra.

Wayne Rooney: 9 - PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Manchester United star Rooney is thriving in his preferred central role and is Europe's top scorer in qualifying with eight goals in seven matches - plus two more in a friendly against Slovakia. Will not have liked being substituted on Wednesday. One of the most feared players in international football.

Emile Heskey: 7

Heskey is Capello's preferred option for what can only be termed the power forward slot up front. His role is to batter defenders and hold the ball up, and his physical strength and willing body more than compensate for his low strike rate, although he finished the season with two goals in two games..

Peter Crouch: 6

Always does a decent job when called into the side, the leggy Portsmouth striker scored the opener in the 2-1 win over Ukraine with a typically cute finish. A good squad player and rarely injured, unlike most of his counterparts for the target man position.

Reda Maher / Eurosport