An injury at the end of the season left Phil Jones sweating over his chances of going to the Brazil - but, with just three days to go before they kick off against Italy, he cannot wait to get started.
The Manchester United defender came off the field midway through the first half of his club's penultimate game of the season against Hull City last month.
Damage to shoulder ligaments left Jones needing a scan to assess the injury, and the 22-year-old's first thought was the World Cup.
England v Italy
2014 FIFA World Cup
Group D
11pm BST, Saturday 14 June 2014
Arena da Amazonia, Manaus
BBC1 and 5 Live
"Once I did it I thought I might not have a chance, but thankfully it healed quickly and I'm feeling fit, ready and I'm so looking forward to it," Jones told TheFA.com.
"[The World Cup] was the first thing that came into my mind when I did it.
"I remember getting the scan sitting there thinking 'it might knock my chance'. But, thankfully it's healed nicely and I'm able to be a part of what's going to hopefully be a successful tournament."
After being named in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad for this summer's tournament, Jones' recovery was complete when he played 90 minutes against Ecuador in Miami last week - his first game in a month.
England drew 2-2 with their fellow World Cup hopefuls as Jones clocked up his tenth appearance for the Three Lions. That game, and the 0-0 draw with Honduras three days later, wrapped up an extensive period of preparation for Hodgson's men.
Now they have arrived in Rio for the Finals, Jones says the excitement is beginning to build around the whole camp with Italy on the agenda this weekend.
"It was nice to get a start, it was a great game, competitive, it was what we wanted and it was great getting 90 minutes under my belt," said the former Blackburn Rovers defender.
"It's been great, the lads were all really keen and excited to get out here and now we're here there's a real belief and buzz about the place.
Jones during England's first training session in Rio this week
"It's building up to the first crucial game of the tournament.
"There has been an awful lot of work that has gone in behind the scenes which most people don't see.
"Everyone is committed, we're in a tight group and everyone's pulling in the right direction for a successful campaign over here.
"The main focus is about us and how we can hurt [Italy]. I'm sure we'll work on other aspects in training this week and gear ourselves up for that big game on 14 June. "
Jones added: "It's a different experience to any other involvement on the international stage, it's worldwide, everyone gets involved, even if they don't like football. We see how much it means to fans all around the world. It's going to be a special tournament.
"The World Cup is something special, it's a different place to be and hopefully we can make it worthwhile."
Watch our FATV video interview with Phil in the player below.
Phil Jones speaks ahead of the World Cup kick-off
