Why Wayne Rooney Could Lead England to World Cup Glory

Every year in the World Cup, there has always been that one player who is the difference in a squad making its way into a World Cup final, or falling short of lifting up that trophy.

From Pele to Diego Maradona, these players have always had a major impact on their nation as they won the World Cup.

But for players such as a Johan Cruyff, they were able to get extremely close, but not win football's ultimate prize.

Now, with the 2010 World Cup right around the corner, with South Africa taking on Mexico in the opener at Soccer City, in less than two months, it has become obvious that the most important player in the World Cup will be a certain English player.

He has had an absolutely incredible season with more than 30 goals scored, nearly led his side to the Premier League title this season, and got his club into the Champions League quarterfinals.

That certain English player is Wayne Rooney.

Even though Rooney had an infamous moment in the last World Cup by getting red-carded in the quarterfinal loss to Portugal in 2006, this is Rooney's World Cup to win for England.

Here are my reasons:

This Has Been His World Cup Since 2003

As bizarre as this might seem, this truly has been Rooney's World Cup since before South Africa won the bid back in 2004.

Ever since he made his first appearance for England in February 2003 against Australia, Rooney has been the key player for the English in every tournament that they have entered.

But now in this World Cup, Rooney (who still does have lots to learn on the football pitch) can truly live up to expectations, as the former teenage protege could become a World Cup legend here with a great performance.

He Will Lead England to Live Up to Their Own Massive Expectations

Every year, the English always pile-up on World Cup expectations, as they expect to win the World Cup every year, only for everything to fall apart as England has won only in 1966, the year that they hosted the event.

But this year, everything will be different with Rooney and his great form, as he alone will be the reason why England could win the World Cup.

His Fantastic 2009-10 Season for Manchester United

After Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez left Old Trafford last summer, it was increasingly obvious that Rooney would need to be Superman if United were to contend for anything this season.

And Rooney has been Superman, as he nearly single-handedly lead the Red Devils to the top of the Premier League table as late as early-April before United faltered.

But throughout this season, Rooney has proven himself to be a world-class player, and he has helped Manchester United forget about two former players.

He Will Be the Best Player on the Pitch and Live Up to Expectations

In this World Cup, there is no doubt to me that Rooney will be the best (and most important) player on the pitch throughout the World Cup.

Rooney has proven throughout his career that he is a player who could pick up the load in these situations, and now with the entire world watching him in South Africa, he will be able to cement his legacy as a player who will be able to win England the World Cup.

Finally, this World Cup will have many great players, but I believe that in the end, it will be Rooney who will outshine everyone else as he will win the Golden Ball and could get England their second World Cup title.