Judging it purely on what I've seen with my eyes. My recollection of the last WC was Gerrard and Hargreaves were about the only 2 who performed. The rest were well below par. Lampard under Sven was dreadful for an extended period. Gerrard has put in good performances for England during the qualifiers. I really don't see where you're coming from.

gerrard from the left of midfield is virtually non existant in an england shirt and his primary role is to get in the box and score the odd goal... almost anyone who plays there is hardly used for england either..

i just dont think thats enough at the very top level..

and rooney played well for england until he got sent off in the last world cup.  then again when has he ever let his country down.. other than getting sent off :)

all of englands defence played well in the last two world cups..