France: Bixente Lizarazu

Arguably the best left-sided defender in the world, Lizarazu's attack-minded play provides France with an extra offensive dimension, whilst his speed makes him one of the toughest defensive opponents around.

He began his career at Caen, before switching to Bordeaux where he played alongside fellow international stars Zinedine Zidane and Christophe Dugarry and forced himself into the national side.

A spell with Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao followed, but he moved to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in 1997 where his game really moved on to a new level.

Injury saw him miss Bayern's Champions League heartbreak against Manchester United in 1999, but he did take club football's top honour in 2001.

He also starred in France's World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 triumphs and the experience he has picked up from playing around Europe makes him a key figure in the French back-line.

Manchester United's Mikael Silvestre is likely to push him hard for the left-back spot in the Far East, but Lizarazu should get the nod and further enhance his reputation as France bid for more international glory.