Something not really mentioned this year is which "top" players have just had their last world cup? I know Pirlo has (never say never) but anyone else?

Ronaldo will be 33, Messi 31, Robben 34, RVP 34

I'm sure there are others but the names above aren't getting any younger are they?

Will they all just about make it in 4 years?

Most likely Klose's last as he's 36 now.

Quite a few of the Spanish team - Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Casillas (possibly), Villa, Torres (possibly).

Buffon of Italy also. Gerrard and Lampard of England. Olic and Srna of Croatia. Alves and Maicon of Brazil. Mascherano (possibly) of Argentina. Rafael Marquez and Carlos Salcido of Mexico. Yepes of Colombia. Yaya Toure (possibly). Drogba and Eto'o. Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey. Cahill of Australia. Endo of Japan. Klose definitely. Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Mertesacker and Lahm (possibly).

I'm sure there are loads. Whether you would call them top players or not is up to the individual to decide.

Ronaldo and Messi will have another.

Rooney hopefully. If he can be described as a top player

Andrea Pirlo

I know Italy get to the WC final every 12 years, but I don't see how they are supposed to get there in 2018 without the great Pirlo.

I'm sure he'll be there in 2018 Worry not

Yes, Rooney can be described as a top player. Based on his age I don't see why he won't be in the next World Cup. But in 4 years who knows what he'll be like? Could take a few injuries before then or simply get to that "past it" stage earlier than most.

I really hope that England have stopped wasting time with Rooney by 2018.

I doubt we'll see some of the more senior players in this German team at the next World Cup. Schweinsteiger (who was fantastic tonight) probably won't be there and Lahm is doubtful as well.

A lot of the Spanish side will probably have called it a day too.

Messi will still only be 31 and could even be a better player by then.

Assuming, of course, England actually qualify.

They have Verratti as a ready-made-replacement. Also, Montilivo can play in his position for at least the Euros and maybe the World Cup in 218.

Why? Still the best striker England have got, if he still is in 4 years time then he should go (if we qualify).

Yes, lets stop wasting our time on a player who has scored 40 International goals.

Indeed, I doubt many people thought 2006 would be Michael Owen's last World Cup.