I never enjoyed being at the World Cup.

This is not an admission of which I am proud. In fact, it is one of my biggest regrets as a footballer. If I had my time again, my attitude would be different. Playing for England should be a thrill as well as privilege. For too many it became a chore.

Assessing how it could have been better, I have to be honest. I blame myself. If I could go back, I would give myself a shake and demand I soak it up and revel in it.

I played my first international tournament at 16 but during the course of my youth and senior England career failed to do myself justice.

The biggest, most obvious problem was I never played much at the World Cup. I was always a back-up rather than starter, which I found difficult to adjust to.

I never embraced the World Cup experience because I was never sure how much I would be involved. No-one enjoys being a squad player.