Gary Cahill says it will be a proud moment when he captains England for the first time on Friday night, but admits he will not change his game.
The Chelsea defender will skipper the team after Wayne Rooney was ruled out of their last home Euro 2016 qualifier, against Estonia, through injury.
Though Cahill has worn the armband previously, during games when Rooney has been substituted this campaign, he has never led the team out, and it is an opportunity he is relishing.
England v Estonia
UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifier
7.45pm, Friday 9 October 2015
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Buy tickets here
"It will be a proud moment for me, for myself and my family," said the 29-year-old. "They'll be down at Wembley, as they always are. It'll be a special moment for them as well.
"I will approach the game like I would any game. I don't want to change anything, but will play the same game and have the same mentality as if I was captain or not.
"But It's something I'm very proud about. It'll be a special day and I want to enjoy it as much as I can."
Cahill has won 37 caps for England and during this campaign has played alongside a number of defensive partners in the middle of the back-four.
The former Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers man believes competition for places in that area is strong, but knows it is a situation that he expects to be in.
Gary Cahill and Roy Hodgson speak to the press
"Ever since I've been playing football, there's always someone in front of you or behind you. You're never in a settled position," he said.
"There's competition here for sure. Jagielka is very experienced and has done well for England whenever he's called up. Chrissy [Smalling] has started this season at Manchester United fantastically well, and I played the last game alongside him. He's doing really well this season.
"Phil Jones, it's great to see him back in the squad after a freak injury. And [John] Stones, who missed out, has had a fantastic season on the back of last year. With all the speculation he's kept his head down and done well."
He added: "When you get the shirt you work as hard as you can to keep hold of it.
"There'll be others who are coming through that we might not have heard of yet. There are people wanting to take your position. Senior guys like Jags have vast experience, have been through a lot in their careers, and younger boys developing well. There is pressure on you all the time.”
Gary Cahill expects competition for places in the England defence
Manager Roy Hodgson hinted that Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane would start in a central role in England's forward line against the Estonians.
The young forward, who has three goals in four appearances at senior level, is a player Cahill knows a lot about having faced him a number of times domestically.
And Cahill believes Kane will only keep on improving.
“He's been fantastic," said the defender.
"This season he's helped the team do well and, for us, training with him the last few days, you can see he's a top class performer.
“He's not scared to turn and try and run you, he has great attributes as a finisher – left foot, right foot, good with his head - he's got half a chance.
"Physically he's strong, he can be a target man, he can take you on. He's an exciting player, still young and still developing.”
Tickets for Friday's game are still available to buy online, visit www.TheFA.com/tickets to secure your seats for the Three Lions' final home Euro 2016 Qualifier.
