Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has admitted that this summer's World Cup in South Africa could be his, and several others, last chance to shine for England.
Gerrard, who will turn 30 at the end of next month, is realistic in his assessment that this may well be his last opportunity to perform on the international stage.
With team-mates Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand having surpassed that milestone already, and with John Terry and Ashley Cole not far behind, Gerrard feels that it could work in England's favour this summer.
"The feeling this is our last World Cup has got to be the attitude going into it," Gerrard told the Press Assocation.
"It could be my last chance to win a World Cup, or even shine at one, so you want to give it everything you've got."
Gerrard also believes that the disappointment of 2006 and not qualifying for Euro 2008 will prove to be a valuable learning curve this time round with several members of the squad still present in the side travelling to South Africa.
"We have underachieved in the past," he said.
"Everyone around the world knows England have the tools in their armoury to do well. The challenge is to prove it.
"It is easy to say we are one of the favourites. The difficult thing is getting out of the group, then the last 16 and the last eight. There is a mental situation with this team in the last couple of tournaments where we have failed to get past the last eight.
"If we get past the last eight then the show is going to start."
With the news that Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher has returned to the international fold, Gerrard admits that the thought of retiring from international football has not crossed his mind just yet.
"I am sure a lot of players are coming to that age now where they will consider what the next best move will be after the World Cup," he said.
"But it depends on how well we do and also what the manager is thinking. In any case, it might be taken out of your hands.
"I have never considered finishing for England."
Gerrard, who will turn 30 at the end of next month, is realistic in his assessment that this may well be his last opportunity to perform on the international stage.
With team-mates Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand having surpassed that milestone already, and with John Terry and Ashley Cole not far behind, Gerrard feels that it could work in England's favour this summer.
"The feeling this is our last World Cup has got to be the attitude going into it," Gerrard told the Press Assocation.
"It could be my last chance to win a World Cup, or even shine at one, so you want to give it everything you've got."
Gerrard also believes that the disappointment of 2006 and not qualifying for Euro 2008 will prove to be a valuable learning curve this time round with several members of the squad still present in the side travelling to South Africa.
"We have underachieved in the past," he said.
"Everyone around the world knows England have the tools in their armoury to do well. The challenge is to prove it.
"It is easy to say we are one of the favourites. The difficult thing is getting out of the group, then the last 16 and the last eight. There is a mental situation with this team in the last couple of tournaments where we have failed to get past the last eight.
"If we get past the last eight then the show is going to start."
With the news that Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher has returned to the international fold, Gerrard admits that the thought of retiring from international football has not crossed his mind just yet.
"I am sure a lot of players are coming to that age now where they will consider what the next best move will be after the World Cup," he said.
"But it depends on how well we do and also what the manager is thinking. In any case, it might be taken out of your hands.
"I have never considered finishing for England."
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