Steven Gerrard is determined to fire England to Brazil in 2014 and get a chance to eradicate some of his personal demons.
The Liverpool midfielder is desperate to make up for past failures at big tournaments and have one last shot at becoming a "hero in an England shirt".
The 32-year-old admits he has underperformed for his country in European Championships and World Cups and is keen to prove himself among the world's finest footballers.
And it is that fear of further failure which Gerrard says drives him on the pitch as he prepares for England's World Cup qualifying matches against San Marino and Montenegro.
"It's a must for me to qualify from a personal, selfish point of view. An absolute must," the England skipper told the Daily Mirror.
"On one level, it's about the chance to compete against the best sides and individuals on the planet.
"On another, it's about having that small chance of coming back as heroes in an England shirt, which I have never experienced.
"I have dreamt about it of course. I am sure everyone has. I have got close to it. Penalty shoot-outs in the last eight are close but not close enough.
"I don't feel I have done myself justice at a World Cup. I don't think any England player of this generation can think they have.
"If you spoke to the squad that came back after 1990, they could be satisfied with how close they came and that they did everything they could and had no regrets.
"But I have always come out of the tournaments with England with regrets that we haven't gone to that extra stage, the last four or the last two.
"I take some of the responsibility for that. I have always been honest and said I am part of that squad of 23 players that comes back having underachieved.
"You can't hide behind anyone, you have got to take it on the chin and get on with it."
Gerrard at least believes he is physically prepared to meet the challenge at the next World Cup, having apparently overcome the injury problems that have dogged his career.
"Two or three years ago, the way my body was feeling, I never thought I would make this World Cup," Gerrard said.
"Since I have got my groins sorted out, my form for England in the last 12 months has improved.
"I'm not the type of player that can play with injuries or problems and blank them out. I like to go on to the pitch feeling strong and healthy.
"I'm excited and I feel strong and I feel I can make a contribution if we make it to Brazil and that's the reason I feel like it's a must."
what do you think?
David Barber
Gaby, he is the england captain, so if he's fit then he'll be going to the world cup. Also, if he had such a big ego, he wouldnt be putting himself in for part of the blame. have you underachieved something you worked hard for and wanted a chance to put it right?
steven
How many chances do our underachieving players need ?
steven
More of the same I`m afraid, how long before they are humiliated again. Our players really are useless !!!!!!!!
brian foster
Our players are far from being useless,the real problem is the England Manager. Just look at the amount of players that have cried off. They dont want to play for him and can you blame them,he has no recent history ask a Liverpool supporter.
steven
Foster, you have to be kidding, how many more managers do the England team need ? The players couldn`t perform under Capello and he has plenty of wide and varied experience. Our players are overated and then when they fail against the likes of Spain, Portugal, Italy, etc etc in competitions it does show time and again how ordinary they are. I wish an answer could be found and it sure isn`t the manager.
gunit1969
I am sure it will be last chance for much of the 'old guard' in the team to get some glory (unlikely a trophy !) so may as well try their best and enjoy.
Gaby Healy
12:53pm on 21/3/2013
that,s nice of him ,he is commenting as if he is the manager ,why is he sure he is good enough to achieve getting into the team never mind qualifying with players of his ego ,and the others around him.they have not achieved much in the past .we need a completely new approach and new England young players must be found to achieve anything like the Spanish national team .getting to Brazil will be a gamble otherwise we will certainly not get very far if we do if the past is anything to go by .
steven
3:51pm on 22/3/2013
Gaby, you`ve hit the nail on the head, our team are pretty dire ! As per usual if they get to Brazil it will not last long. I can`t see anything changing, so it`s going to be the same old excuse " We just aren`t good enough"