Young Guns; The Players: More than in any previous World Cup, many nations' hopes are riding on their most tender stars.

Byline: Malcolm Beith

Judging from the headlines, you might have thought a prophet had passed away. IS THERE LIFE AFTER ROO? Read one. A KILLER BLOW, lamented another. The Mirror best summed up the national mood: OUR ROOINATION. Wayne Rooney, the star of the English team, had fractured a metatarsal during a Premier League match last month. Although the England squad boasts world-class names like David Beckham, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard, the country's World Cup chances suddenly seemed to have deflated like a punctured ball--simply because a pug-faced 20-year-old kid had hurt his right foot.

Since the first World Cup in 1930, young players--particularly those making their debut on the international stage--have often become the breakout stars of the tournament. In 1958, a 17-year-old Pele startled the world with his precision-passing. In 1982, a 21-year-old Diego Maradona showcased his inimitable dribbling skills on the pitch (and warned of many tears in years to come after being sent off it in the second

round). In 1998,…