Yet to fully develop when he played for France at the 1998 World Cup, Henry has blossomed in the four years since after finally settling down in England with Arsenal.

Starting life as a wide player at Monaco, Henry was successfully converted into a striker by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after being signed by the London club from Juventus in August 1999.

Has since established himself as one of the English Premiership's most lethal marksmen, searing pace allied with exquisite technique earning Henry admirers around the world.

Though often used as a centre-forward with France, he is likely to be given a wide role by Roger Lemerre, supplying the crosses for friend and former Monaco team-mate David Trezeguet and roaming from flank to flank.

With a strike rate of roughly one goal in every three games Henry stands every chance of taking away the World Cup's Golden Boot if France mount a successful challenge in Japan and South Korea.