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England entered Euro 2012 with a ton of question marks, particularly with star striker Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two matches of group play. A lackluster performance in which the British side was lucky to scratch out a draw against France in the opener certainly didn't help matters.

Since that point, however, England has shown a ton of heart and mettle.

Three Lions picked up a dramatic, come-from-behind victory against Sweden and managed to hold off Ukraine despite the host squad's continuous offensive pressure. England grabbed seven of the possible nine points in the group stage and will play Italy for a chance to advance to the semifinals. Italy was impressive in group as well, but England seems to have a lot working in its favor.

Here are three English stars that will lead the Brits into the semis and within one triumph of playing for Euro 2012 glory.

Wayne Rooney

Which player will come up biggest for England vs. Italy?

Wayne Rooney

41.8%

Joe Hart

19.4%

Steven Gerrard

38.8%

Total votes: 67

Forward Wayne Rooney is unquestionably one of the best offensive players in the world, so it wasn't particularly surprising to see England struggle without him.

Rooney made an instant impact upon his return against Ukraine, however, as he scored the lone goal on a back-door header to give Three Lions a 1-0 win as well as a group win with France falling to Sweden. Rooney was all over the place against Ukraine and was constantly wreaking havoc on their overmatched defense.

Rooney will look to do something similar against Italy, although Italy's defense is far more disciplined.

The Italians have been one of the bigger surprises of the tournament as they surrendered just two goals in three group-stage matches, and they were able to draw Spain. No matter how well Italy plays defensively, though, Rooney has a penchant for finding cracks in opposing back lines and making something out of nothing.

Expect Rooney to find the back of the net on Sunday.

Joe Hart

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Goalkeeping has been a real issue for England over the past several years, and that was particularly clear in the 2010 World Cup. Robert Green surrendered a soft goal against the United States in the group stage and was then replaced by David James, who was picked apart by Germany in the knockout round.

England has now turned to Manchester City netminder Joe Hart, however, and he has certainly appeared to be a rock between the pipes for the Brits thus far.

Hart has surrendered just three goals in three matches and is coming off a clean sheet against Ukraine. Hart is far from a perfect goalkeeper as he tends to be a tad streaky, but he has the big-game experience that boss Roy Hodgson surely loves.

Hart and City won the EPL title this past season in dramatic fashion, so perhaps the goalie has a little magic left in him. He will need to be solid against Italy's versatile offensive attack, and he likely will, as no moment will be too big for him.

Steven Gerrard

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Midfielder Steven Gerrard has long been one of England's most talented players, but since becoming captain of the national team, something seems different about the decorated star. Gerrard may be exiting his prime at the age of 32, but his leadership has been evident throughout Euro 2012, and his play has been superb as well.

Gerrard leads the tournament in assists with three as he has one in each contest. Gerrard has always been known as one of the better playmakers in the world, and he has lived up to that billing thus far. It isn't going to be easy to get quality scoring chances against Italy, so Gerrard may have to find a way to bend a magical ball into the box in order to set up a highlight-reel goal.

If any English player is capable of doing something like that, it is certainly Gerrard.

He really put the team on his back in the first two matches without Rooney, and even though Rooney has returned, Gerrard will still need to be on top of his game against Azzurri.