Ferdinand - the undoubted star of the squad.

By Damian Spellman, PA Sport

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England's World Cup dreams came to a heartbreaking end in Shizuoka as Brazil once again demonstrated their supremacy.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's men will return home disappointed, but believing they have been knocked out by the best side in the competition, and they will return home knowing they have done themselves justice in reaching the quarter-finals.

Several players have emerged as genuine world class performers while others have cemented their reputations on the biggest stage.

DAVID SEAMAN

When Seaman saw Dietmar Hamann's long-range free-kick fly past him at Wembley in October 2000 to give Germany a qualifying round victory, many voiced the opinion his reign as England's number one was over.

However, he recovered from that setback - and a nasty shoulder injury - in style and was a tower of strength in the Far East, where he hardly put a foot wrong until Ronaldinho's audacious free-kick sailed over his head to give Brazil victory.

DANNY MILLS

Had Gary Neville been fit, Mills may have had only an outside chance of making the squad, let alone the starting 11, but he was one of his country's most dependable performers.

Outstanding in defence and willing going forward, he was one of England's major finds as he dispelled fears over his temperament to prove himself a genuine international player.

ASHLEY COLE

Few had any doubts about Cole's ability as an attacking full-back, but questions were asked about his defensive capabilities in the build-up to the finals.

But he too provided emphatic answers, particularly against Denmark where he handled Dennis Rommedahl and Jesper Gronkjaer with impressive organisation, skill and maturity.

TREVOR SINCLAIR

England's stand-by man proved patience is a virtue after winning his call-up at the last minute and then finding himself thrown in at the deep end after Owen Hargreaves picked up an injury early in the Argentina game.

Provided width down the left and worked hard to support Cole behind him to enhance his reputation at home and abroad.

RIO FERDINAND

Ferdinand's contribution to his country's campaign was immense as he established himself as one of the stars of the tournament.

Miserly in defence, where his ability to read the game and deal with trouble quickly and efficiently came to the fore, he also chipped in at the other end - with Thomas Sorensen fumbling his header over the line for the crucial opening goal in the second round match against Denmark.

SOL CAMPBELL

A rock alongside Ferdinand in what proved to be the most solid defence in the opening stages of the competition, Campbell did nothing to harm his reputation with a series of high quality displays. It was the Arsenal defender who got his side off to the perfect start in their opening game against Sweden with a bullet header which gave them the lead.

DAVID BECKHAM

At one point, it appeared Beckham's fractured metatarsal would keep him out of the finals, but as his match fitness returned, he became an increasing influence for his side. Never less than inspirational either on the pitch or off it, he provided the nation with perhaps its sweetest moment of the competition when he drilled home the penalty which defeated Argentina.

PAUL SCHOLES

The central midfield partnership of Scholes and Manchester United team-mate Nicky Butt was key to England's progression as they worked hard to dispossess the opposition and then used their own share of the ball well. Scholes was outstanding throughout, but when it came to the crunch, found the Brazilians too tough a nut to crack.

NICKY BUTT

After missing the opening game through injury, Butt returned to action against Argentina and played every single minute of the campaign thereafter. England's - and in the eyes of Brazilian legend Pele, the whole tournament's - outstanding player, he worked tirelessly in the middle of the field in both directions to protect the back four and provide a supply line to the strikers.

MICHAEL OWEN

Starved of service in the opener against Sweden, Owen started to find his feet against Argentina and was outstanding in the first-half against Denmark, during which he collected his first goal of the finals. Finished his only chance against the Brazilians with style to rekindle the memories of his strike against Argentina four years earlier, but ultimately suffered the same fate.

EMILE HESKEY

Pilloried for his performance on the left-hand side of midfield against the Swedes, Heskey worked hard to restore his reputation after returning to his more accustomed role in attack. Rewarded with a well-taken goal against Denmark, he turned in perhaps his best display against Brazil on an afternoon when he and Owen were left to feed off scraps.

OWEN HARGREAVES

Excellent in the first-half against Sweden but tired alarmingly after the break as England were forced to hang on.

Ironically, his injury against Argentina led to Sinclair's introduction, and the improved shape the latter gave his side was crucial to their progression.

DARIUS VASSELL

Did a fine job against the Swedes as he and Owen were asked to chase a series of largely inaccurate long balls in a bid to stretch a defence which lacked pace. Introduced as a late substitute against Nigeria and Brazil, but had little chance to shine in either game.

TEDDY SHERINGHAM

Made four appearances as a substitute and almost had a stunning impact against Argentina when he finished off a fine passing move with a superb volley. However, even his craft was not enough to unlock the Brazilians in the 10 minutes he was given in his last ever World Cup Finals game.

KIERON DYER

Another who moved mountains to get himself on the plane to the Far East, Dyer showed flashes of his undoubted talent but struggled to make a major impact. Neat and tidy when coming on against Denmark and Brazil, he at least managed to do himself justice after an ordinary start against Sweden.

ROBBIE FOWLER

Given his chance as a replacement for Owen after he damaged his groin during the first-half against Denmark, Fowler showed little of the ability fans of both Liverpool and Leeds know he has.

WAYNE BRIDGE

Given just 15 minutes in two appearances as a substitute, Bridge will nevertheless have learnt a lot from his trip to the Far East. Replaced Michael Owen for the final tense moments of the Argentina game and then came on for Joe Cole against Nigeria.

JOE COLE

Another who played only a minor role, Cole was given 26 minutes as a replacement for Vassell against Sweden, but arrived to find his side engaged in a desperate battle for survival.

DID NOT PLAY

Nigel Martyn, David James, Wes Brown, Martin Keown, Gareth Southgate.