Karen Carney says that as she moves into the "veteran" category, she is learning to savour every England moment even more.
The Birmingham City midfielder is with the Lionesses at St. George’s Park as they prepare for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Wales on Thursday, and revealed that she is relishing the prospect of going to another major tournament with the Lionesses.
"As you get older you realise how precious World Cups and European Championships are because the chances of you playing in future ones are getting slimmer and slimmer," she said.
Wales v England
2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier
Cardiff City Stadium
7.05pm, Thursday 21 August
Live on BBC3
"You’ve got to relish it. I’m excited but obviously the World Cup is a long way away at the moment."
England need a single point from the game at Cardiff City Stadium to reach the 2015 finals in Canada and, if selected, Carney is in line to win her 97th cap – taking her ever closer to the prestigious 100-club.
That's an achievement the 27-year-old says she would be proud of, but insisted her mind is focused on the task in hand.
"I’m starting to get pushed into the veterans section now going into tournaments and in training," she continued.
"I’m getting close to that 100-cap mark which would be a massive honour, but it’s still a long way to go.
"This week we’re going to focus on the game. We need one point and hopefully the squad will be going to the World Cup."
Carney starred in the Lionesses’ stunning 4-0 victory against Sweden at the beginning of August, but said that while that result against a side ranked among the world’s top five was a fantastic achievement, it is in the past now and attention has turned to Wales and the World Cup.
"We were ecstatic with the Sweden result but now that’s gone and we need to move forward," she added.
"Wales are a top team and they’re still in it as well. The England-Welsh rivalry also adds that little bit extra to the game so you have to respect Wales and how they’re going to be.
"It will be a really good game and obviously we’d like to keep our 100 per cent record, but ultimately it’s about England trying to get to that World Cup.
"You just want to go in trying to get the best performance you can from each game. If you perform well then usually the result will take care of itself."
England take on Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 21 August at 7.05pm.
Fans can buy their tickets via the stadium ticket office hotline only, on 0845 345 1400, and should request the away end in blocks 202 and 203.
Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.
