The Leeds United captain and the kingpin of England's defence is dying to make his World Cup debut as he craves the kind of notoriety that world-renowned footballers are afforded. "I don't really think I'm known that much outside of England," claimed the man who has been linked with a £25m move to Manchester United during the last week.

"I've only played one and a half seasons in Europe so I would say that I'm more of an unknown quantity than a known quantity during this World Cup."

Unknown is certainly not a phrase you would use to describe either Michael Owen or David Beckham. England's star duo are feted the world over and they have been received like gods here in Korea. Ferdinand believes that recognition is a result of their performances on the pitch and it is something he would dearly like to emulate.

"You want people to be talking about you all over the world," he said. "There is no better accolade for a footballer than people knowing you wherever you go. Michael and David are amazing the way that they are known and the way that they handle the attention that comes their way."

There is clearly a hunger about Rio at the moment and that is being fuelled by the fact that he has experienced a World Cup before - but only from the sidelines. Ferdinand was part of Glenn Hoddle's squad for France '98 but never got the chance to taste the action on the biggest stage that football can offer. He still remembers it vividly though.

"I was talking to some of the other lads that were there in France '98," he said.

"And I was asking them whether they could remember certain things about that tournament, but they couldn't.

"They were so focused on the matches they were playing that they weren't taking in the other stuff, but I can remember it all. This time, though, I hope that I'll just be concentrating on the matches."

"Just to be able to say that you've played in a World Cup is a great thing for a footballer.

"In France '98, in our game against Columbia, I can remember Incey was struggling with an injury and I got stripped off ready to come on.

"Then he came over to the bench and said he'd be alright to carry on and I was just thinking: 'Incey, come off!'"

This time, though, it's Rio who's in pole position. There is a lot of responsibility on his shoulders but, somehow, you get the feeling he likes it that way.

From Daniel Freedman in Jeju