The 21-year-old has become the very essence of Arsenal's and England's attacking strategy down the left flank.
Arguably he has had the most prolific rise in stock in the English game over the last two seasons, impressing Sven-Goran Eriksson sufficiently for a place in the international starting line-up.
His confidence belies his age and his attacking ability should prove vital in Eriksson's game plan.
He is, however, still open to the occasional error which could cost England dearly in vital matches.
That said, he is on the whole defensively sound and continuing to mature.
He had a superb game during England's 1-0 Group F win over Argentina, keeping out the dangerous Ariel Ortega.