England skipper Steven Gerrard has admitted the Three Lions' crunch World Cup last-16 showdown with Germany could 'define a career' on Sunday.
England head into the encounter in Bloemfontein as slight favourites by virtue of their greater experience.
Whilst Germany are reliant on the youth of Mesut Ozil, Fabio Capello can call on a group of players who have vast knowledge of how to approach major games, albeit at club level.
And, at some point during the contest, Gerrard expects a moment to arrive which could turn out to be pivotal to an entire career.
"This is a game where you have to stand up and be counted," said the England skipper.
"When you are growing up, it is the stage you want to be playing at.
"There could be a big moment in the game that can define any player's career.
"But you look forward to it. It is a fantastic game to play in. Everyone is excited."
Fabio Capello is trying to stay distant from the hype that surrounds any meeting between these two traditional heavyweights.
He is more concerned about the make-up of his side, although even he admits there is not much guesswork required on this occasion.
"I have one doubt, but everyone knows the other 10 players," he said.
The uncertainty surrounds John Terry's central defensive partner.
Ledley King began the tournament and is fit. However, Capello has ruled the Tottenham man out of his starting line-up, which leaves a straight choice between Matthew Upson and Jamie Carragher, who is available again after suspension.
The feeling on Saturday night was that Upson would get the nod, partly for continuity and partly because Capello was impressed with the overall team performance against Slovenia on Wednesday and is loathe to disrupt a team that performed so well.
"That game against Slovenia was really important for us," said Capello.
"We played very well and I saw a lot of things. We didn't miss many tackles or interceptions, we switched the ball, played long passes when we had to.
"Slovenia only had one chance to score. We created a lot more.
"The players look strong and we did well in training, just like we did before Slovenia.
"Everything is really good and for this reason I have a lot of confidence in my team."
What Capello could really do with is an inspiring performance from Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United man is still to score in South Africa and looked ill at ease during England's opening two matches.
Although he made a far more positive contribution against Slovenia, the 24-year-old was replaced 20 minutes from time in Port Elizabeth, with Capello confirming Rooney had taken another knock on the ankle he damaged on Champions League duty in Munich at the end of March.
However, the England camp have been impressed by the way Rooney has come through the latest training session, held at the Three Lions tournament base in Rustenburg due to the state of the pitch in Bloemfontein, and Capello has total confidence in his talisman.
"I have been happy with Rooney's performances," said Capello. "He is playing well.
"People have to remember the World Cup is not an easy tournament to play in.
"He is in perfect condition and hopefully tomorrow he will play like he did against Slovenia. I also hope he will score."
Thoughts of 1966, 1970, 1990 and 1996 hang heavy over the tie of the round, as does the prospect of those penalty kicks at which Germany have proved so proficient in the past.
But Capello would prefer to use England's 2-1 win in Berlin less than two years ago as his reference point for facing a team his own nationality have nothing but good memories of, considering Italy have beaten Germany in a World Cup final and two semi-finals, including four years ago.
"This is a very important game," said Capello. "The players like to beat all the big teams and Germany are one of them.
"I respect Germany and I know the value of their players. But I also know the value of mine and I know they respect us."
