Our man, who followed every step of England's World Cup campaign, assesses the performances of all the players who played an active part in Japan.
It was a very mixed tournament for the Arsenal veteran.
He will now sadly be best remembered for his costly error that condemned England to defeat against Brazil in the World Cup quarter-final.
England's World Cup campaign started with a Seaman mistake against Germany and ended with another against Brazil.
He should announce his international retirement now to avoid having it announced for him.
The player labelled a liability before the World Cup kept his temper in check and had a solid tournament.
He made one mistake against Sweden that cost a goal, but otherwise did not let England down.
By his own admission he was not at his best, but played his part in a defence that was, in general, solid.
He will have benefited greatly from experiencing the biggest stage of all.
He has arrived as a world-class performer. One of the best defenders in the tournament, who was consistently outstanding.
How good will he be in four years' time? And where will he be next season?
Reliable without being spectacular. Campbell scored against Sweden and was an important component of England's defence.
Beckham was subdued throughout the World Cup, clearly not fully match fit after his long absence with a broken foot.
The England captain made his contribution from set-pieces - and of course the winning penalty against Argentina - but was not at his best.
Butt came in against Argentina and was magnificent. Reliable throughout - and must be viewed in a different, more positive, light after this World Cup.
Scholes was another of England's successes, although he played an unfortunate part in Brazil's equaliser in Shizuoka.
It was a pity for England that his goal touch continues to desert him in internationals.
Sinclair got an unexpected chance to shine in the World Cup as injuries hit England, and was a reliable if unspectacular presence.
Unlucky to pick up an injury on the eve of the World Cup and only figured as a substitute.
Showed flashes of brilliance against Denmark and this confident youngster may yet achieve greatness.
The Bayern Munich midfielder saw his hopes of making an impact on the World Cup wrecked by an injury against Argentina. He is, however, definitely one for the future.
Suffered from a desperate lack of service and hindered by a groin injury he sustained against Denmark.
He proved again that given the chances he will score the goals. World class.
Remains an enigma at England level. Heskey has all the assets but still appears to lack self-confidence.
He scored against Denmark and had an excellent first half against Brazil.
Vassell played well against Sweden and was unlucky to be dropped against Argentina.
He is another who will benefit from an unlikely chance to figure for England in the World Cup finals.
Playing in his last World Cup, Sheringham still showed flashes of quality in his appearances as substitute, especially against Argentina.
He has been influential and remains a highly intelligent player, but is likely to have played his last game for England.
Fowler found himself well down the list of Sven-Goran Eriksson's strikers. He made an appearance as substitute, but the World Cup was virtually a non-event for this most naturally gifted of strikers.
Never threatened the starting line-up, but got a couple of run-outs from the bench. Will be better for playing in the World Cup and is another one for the future.
Briefest of glimpses as a substitute. Cole will have to wait his turn in Euro 2004 and the World Cup in 2006 to show his true worth.