'I remember Owen, Ronaldo and Zidane'
As he prepares to participate in a double-header which will decide whether England reach the 2014 World Cup, Reds striker Daniel Sturridge has shared the memorable tournament moments which inspired him.
The 24-year-old has previously made six appearances for his country, claiming one goal, and is expected to start in the Three Lions' crucial qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland at Wembley.
Successive victories, this evening and on Tuesday, would guarantee top spot in Group H and a berth in Brazil, thereby giving Sturridge a chance to make up for missing out on Euro 2012 last summer.
The Liverpool No.15 could then also attempt to emulate the achievements of figures who starred on the biggest stage, including a former Anfield goal-getter, a lethal Brazilian and two French flair players.
Asked for his favourite World Cup memory, Sturridge told Life and Times: "That Michael Owen goal for England against Argentina at the World Cup in France in 1998.
"That was one that I think stands out in every England fan's memory, just because that was when I was a kid growing up and seeing him do that and score, it just made you think: 'Wow, what have I just seen?'
"I've got good memories of seeing the Brazilian Ronaldo play as well and the goals he scored. I've always watched Brazilians closely and always admired the way they played, but he was one I really loved to watch.
"Also the French team with Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane - I always loved to watch them play as well."