Steven Gerrard says England must approach the World Cup as if it were their last as he feels their chances of glory are lessening each year.
It was former chief executive Adam Crozier who labelled the current crop of Three Lions the 'Golden Generation'.
However, a bit like the Portugal side led by Luis Figo who were given the same tag, it has largely proved to be an empty boast.
As he is due to celebrate his 30th birthday at the end of the month, Gerrard is realistic enough to accept there may not be another chance for him to shine at football's top table.
With Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard having already passed that milestone - and John Terry and Ashley Cole not far behind - Gerrard feels the added knowledge of time ticking away could benefit England in South Africa this summer.
"The feeling this is our last World Cup has got to be the attitude going into it," said Gerrard.
"It could be my last chance to win a World Cup, or even shine at one, so you want to give it everything you've got."
Gerrard takes the view that while 2006 was undoubtedly a let-down, both in terms of performances and the overall outcome, it was a useful learning curve.
The bulk of that squad remains, meaning it should be easier to avoid falling into a similar trap of over-confidence.
"We have underachieved in the past," he said.
"Everyone around the world knows England have the tools in their armoury to do well. The challenge is to prove it.
"It is easy to say we are one of the favourites. The difficult thing is getting out of the group, then the last 16 and the last eight. There is a mental situation with this team in the last couple of tournaments where we have failed to get past the last eight.
"If we get past the last eight then the show is going to start."
There is a sense of deja-vu about Gerrard's words, which have been repeated so many times by so many different England representatives down the years.
Yet he suggests they are now delivered with more authority because additional experience has made for a more rounded assessment of England's position.
"Our players are more mature now," he said.
"We are at that age where players are peaking.
"There is a good mix of young talented players and experienced old heads, who have been there and done it at club level.
"Hopefully that will hold us in good stead for what is to come."
There is also the stench of failure still hanging around from that abysmal failure to reach Euro 2008, which at the moment is the most notable entry in the CVs of that Golden Generation.
"Thirty is an age where you do consider what you have achieved internationally," he said.
"You don't want to step out of this level of football without doing something.
"There is an excitement in this squad and a determination. After the setback of not qualifying for the Euros we feel as though we owe it to the nation to deliver this time around."
Gerrard has already delivered once during the World Cup build-up by luring close friend Jamie Carragher out of international retirement.
Although he understood Carragher's reasons, the pair are so close it never suited Gerrard for the 32-year-old to be out in the wilderness.
Indeed, he played a major role in the day-to-day persuasion that eventually led to Carragher changing his mind.
"I put a lot of work in," he said.
"I spoke to Jamie all the time, right from the time he took the decision to step down from the squad.
"I wanted Carra here because he is a top player but from a personal perspective it is nice because he is a good friend."
Carragher caused a ripple of surprise when he confirmed his return would last for just one tournament, after which he will slip back into the shadows again.
It is a decision Gerrard himself might be forced to make at some stage, although he insists that view has not floated across his mind just yet.
"I am sure a lot of players are coming to that age now where they will consider what the next best move will be after the World Cup," he said.
"But it depends on how well we do and also what the manager is thinking. In any case, it might be taken out of your hands.
"I have never considered finishing for England."
