``That will definitely bring me on as a player and it puts you in good stead with the team. I've already been at a point in my career where I was a bit complacent.

``I don't ever want that to creep in again. When an England squad is announced, I am always on the edge of my seat and always want to be involved. I want to keep that kind of edge.

``If you get a false sense of security and believe you're going to be in the team as a matter of course, then it will lead to your downfall. I am not ever going to think I will be in the starting 11 automatically.''

Ferdinand admits that he would relish the chance to play on football's biggest stage in Japan and South Korea next summer if England can dispose of Greece in their final World Cup qualifier on Saturday, especially after not kicking a ball in anger in 1998 and being overlooked for Euro 2000.

He said: ``When I went to France in 1998 everyone was saying `you're only young' and `it must be nice to be involved', but you don't think like that as a player.

"For all you know, that might have been your last time to get there.

``Missing out last summer has also acted as a big spur to me although maybe at the time it was a blessing in disguise.

``But if I get the opportunity again I want to make sure I prove myself and hope nothing will get in the way.''