During the season leading up to the last World Cup in 2010, Rickie Lambert had hit an impressive 37 goals for his club, but South Africa couldn't have been further from his mind.
At the time, Lambert had just completed his first campaign at Southampton, then in League One, and was enjoying a summer break in the New Forest.
Roll the clock forward and not only are Saints making waves in the Premier League, but the 32-year-old from Liverpool is now preparing for a trip to the World Cup with England.
Saints duo Rickie Lambert and Luke Shaw speak to the press
And though it is a suggestion he would have shrugged off four years ago, he now feels he deserves his place in Roy Hodgson's Brazil-bound squad.
“I was in the New Forest watching [the last World Cup]," revealed Lambert. "It is the old cliché, if someone had told me then I would be at the next World Cup I would have laughed at them, it is as simple as that really.
“But I would like to think I am here on merit. I think I have proved over two years that I am good enough. A lot has been written but I think I have proved my worth."
Lambert's debut for the Three Lions was one to remember. Coming off the bench at Wembley last August, he powered home a 70th-minute winning header the beat Scotland and cap a dream night.
He followed that up with a starting berth in the World Cup qualifier against Moldova in September, scoring again in a 4-0 win, and wore the number nine jersey against Ukraine four days later.
His fourth and most recent cap came against Germany in November, and despite not figuring against Denmark in March, he is not planning to spend the summer on the sidelines.
Lambert celebrates his debut winner against Scotland
Lambert said: “It is dangerous if you go there with the mentality you are going to be on the bench. You have to get in the mind frame you might be starting and playing every game.
“Either on the bench or playing you have to be ready for whatever Roy decides, you definitely don’t want to be thinking your role is just coming on."
He added: “I am desperate to get on like every other player. You just have to prepare yourself mentally and physically for when you are told you are going to come on or start.”
Having seen their hopes of glory dashed by penalty shootouts six times in their last ten tournaments, England may well need Lambert, who has proved himself highly accomplished from 12 yards.
The former Rochdale and Bristol Rovers man has been successful from the spot 47 times from his last 48 attempts, but what is is secret?
“A lot of people have said I am in for my penalties but I don’t believe that at all. But I would take one, of course I would, I am confident in my ability and If the chance comes up I am confident I can score.
“It is a little bit of practise but mainly it is about mentality. I have a certain way of approaching it and it has worked well for me."
He added: “I have a good strike of the ball and the way I take them that obviously helps."
England meet Peru at Wembley on Friday 30 May - their final game on home soil before the World Cup. The last few tickets remain, so to make sure you don't miss out, click here to buy your tickets online.
