Roy Hodgson believes this summer’s World Cup in Brazil will be the pinnacle of all his players’ careers.
England sealed their place in the 2014 Finals last October by topping their European qualifying group and excitement about the tournament has been building ever since ahead of its start in June.
And having been to Brazil on a number of occasions for events in the last year, Three Lions boss Hodgson is expecting a real football extravaganza in the South American nation.
Hodgson on England's trip to Rio last year
"I’ve been quite a few times now and it’s an interesting country," revealed Hodgson, whose squad will be based in Rio for the duration of the World Cup, where they face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in their initial three group games.
"Our base is very good, I think Rio is a good hub to start with and we’re very happy with our training camp and hotel - the sun will be shining and the beaches will be there.
"I would be expecting every player who is selected to be viewing this as the most exciting period in his life so far.
"That’s quite a strong thing to say when you’re dealing with people like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney who have experienced quite a lot in their careers.
"But I think when it was announced that this World Cup was in Brazil, the whole of the football world said: "That’s the place to be, that’s the tournament to qualify for.
"Whatever we are doing, we must not fail to qualify for Brazil and when we get there, we must not fail to put in a good performance as a team and show ourselves in a good light.
"That’s how I view it and that’s how I expect the players to view it and I think that’s how the English public will see it too."
Watch as England squad visited Rio's famous Copacabana beach last year
Hodgson and his squad had a little taste of Brazil last May, when they faced the host nation in the first game at the new Maracana Stadium in Rio.
That match ended in a 2-2 draw as Hodgson’s squad finished their season on a positive note, giving them the incentive to go on and complete their qualification campaign.
"I think everyone is excited by this tournament," added Hodgson, speaking at the LMA President’s Dinner in London on Tuesday evening.
"I think everyone’s quite excited by the fact that this is an England team in transition at the moment and there are some very interesting players who could be involved.
"I think we will be very well supported, not only in Brazil but back here in England as well, wherever the games are being shown.
"So I’m sure the players will do their best and I’m very confident that we’ll come away from the tournament having given a good account of ourselves."
England's next game is when Peru are the opposition at Wembley on Friday 30 May in what will be the squad's final send off to the World Cup. Tickets for the match are on sale now and you can buy them now by clicking here.
