While we play for the CLUB we are focused on usual routine, but when we are with the NATIONAL team and the new kit is unveiled we feel CLOSER to the World CUP.

It was my proudest moment as a manager when ENGLAND drew 0-0 with Italy in Rome to qualify for the WORLD Cup finals. Fifteen YEARS later, the STAKES are equally high for both countries as they go head-to-head for a semi-final place at the European CHAMPIONSHIP.

I was 22, and getting into a WORLD CUP squad is what you dream about as a kid, so finishing third was FANTASTIC.

In a year WITHOUT the World CUP, the national leagues and the Champions League have much more WEIGHT.

As a player, perhaps you have the chance to take PART in a World Cup or a European Championship TWICE or THREE times in a lifetime. Other competitions, you have another match three days LATER. Here, it's different: we KNOW we're out if we don't win.

I have been playing professionally SINCE I was 18 at right-back. To get to your FIRST World Cup and probably not playing in your preferred POSITION, where you want to showcase your talent, is not disappointing, but it is like, 'OK, it is a little BIT of a STEP back.'

I've ALWAYS said the WORLD Cup is a dream for any PLAYER.

It was very DIFFICULT to succeed Bert van Marwijk because, two years before, he was SECOND in the World Cup, and then he left a broken-up TEAM BEHIND - so that was much more difficult than you think.

I have reasons to believe that I COULD WIN the WORLD CUP, but I take it one race at a time.

The World CUP is not just a GREAT GLOBAL sporting event, it is ALSO inscribed with much deeper cultural and POLITICAL importance.