However, while other players might be tempted to sit back and polish their medals, Sol is hoping that his season can reach a new high this summer.

"Last time Arsenal won the double, the two French lads (Petit and Vieira) came back with the World Cup," he said. "So it would be great if some of that rubbed off on the Arsenal lads who are in the England set-up this time."

Sol is no stranger to World Cups as it was in France '98 that he really made his name as an international footballer. His strength and athleticism at the back are well remembered, along with those barnstorming runs forward which have become etched into the memories of all England fans.

One of the most vivid memories that Sol has from the tournament is that disallowed golden goal he 'scored' against Argentina in the epic Second Round encounter.

For a second, it was the single greatest moment of his career - until reality dawned and he had to chase back to the other end as Argentina launched their own attack.

Sol is not a man that bears grudges though and he even has a sneaking feeling that he might be able to put things right when the two teams meet again in the crunch encounter on June 7.

"I thought I'd scored, but it wasn't meant to be," said the big centre-half whose imposing presence on the pitch is altogether juxtaposed by his relaxed and sensitive demeanor off it.

"Football has a nice way of repeating itself though, and it's coming round again..." said Sol who didn't finish his sentence but still made his intentions clear.

In a really youthful squad, Sol is now one of the older heads and, although he insists that he doesn't feel more responsibility because of it, he will be emphasizing the need to grab this opportunity to those around him.

This is my second World Cup and, four years on, I'm a lot more experienced which does count in these situations," he said. "It means so much to the people at home. Last time round, I wasn't really aware of how much it meant, but I certainly know this time."

"It's a massive occasion for the lads. We're ready and having Becks back is a massive lift for us. We had the full squad out there training today so it looks promising.

"It would be nice to really do something in this World Cup," he concluded.

Well, they say things come in threes...

From Daniel Freedman in Awaji