Steven Gerrard will join an illustrious list of footballing greats on Wednesday night when he leads England out on his 100th cap.
Peter Shilton, Billy Wright, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and David Beckham are the men who have achieved the accolade thus far.
Cast back 12 years to Gerrard receiving his first call up to the national squad.
The Liverpool midfielder had to borrow his father’s Honda to make the journey from his hometown to London.
How the narrative is vastly different these days for the captain of club and country, worldwide superstar and arguably one of the best midfielders to grace the England dressing room.
Maintaining a permanent position in the national squad is a battle but Gerrard has almost become part of the furniture despite the managerial merry-go-round he has endured.
Roy Hodgson chose him as the leader of England when he took charge earlier this year but it is clear his four predecessors valued Gerrard.
This could be one of the greatest testaments to Gerrard’s career as he has been a favourite for Sven-Goran-Eriksson, Steve McClaren, Fabio Capello, Stuart Pearce and the present man at the helm.
His greatest performances are hard to pinpoint with consistency and dogged spirit being his central qualities.
The goals scored against Germany in the 5-1 Munich thriller, Macedonia in 2002 and Hungary in 2010 are likely to the pick of a vast selection if looking for his best efforts so far.
But Wednesday’s friendly against Sweden is not simply a tale of experienced campaigners.
With three players set to make their international debut it could also be warning signs of a new era for England.
Raheem Stirling, Steven Caulker and Leon Osman are all set to don the Three Lions jersey for the first time.
Stirling (17-years-old) and Osman (31-years-old) combine to create the largest age gap between debutants for England since the World War with 14 years between the duo.
Stirling looks set to be unleashed down the flanks for his first appearance for country and will be expected to cause the Swedish defence plenty of trouble.
The Liverpool attacker has impressed for his club in the Premier League so far this season and merits his call up to the squad.
Across the Mersey at Everton however, Leon Osman has been waiting a long time for the phone to ring.
Despite making his debut at 31, there are few in English football who will not welcome the midfielder to the fray.
Trickery, skill, pace and accuracy are all in the armoury of the central midfielder who has been a highlight of the David Moyes era at Goodison Park.
Perhaps you could say both Osman and Moyes are deserving of more credit than their current stature professes…But the subject of Moyes is another blog in itself.
Finally, Steven Caulker has made his way through the ranks over the last year with notable performances for a number of teams.
Having spent last term on loan with Swansea City the 20-year-old made sure he was noticed in the top-flight and managed to secure a place in the Team GB squad for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Back to his home club Tottenham Hotspur the full-blooded centre-half has registered solid shows this campaign, well worthy of getting the call from Mr Hodgson.
There has been much talk about Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace in the build-up to this international with the 20-year-old finally called up to the squad following injuries.
Having been born in the Ivory Coast the attacker has spent his time musing over whether to commit to his country of birth or pledge allegiance to the Three Lion camp.
Again, this may well be a debate for another time but all the same a talented young player who could well prove his credentials following the exit of Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Jonjo Shelvey, Kyle Walker and Aaron Lennon who are all ruled out with injuries.
A mere friendly affair in Stockholm awaits, but all the same a chance to see some fresh faces on the England scene.
Ben Hampshire (@BH92)
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