The miraculous return to fitness of Kieron Dyer has been one of the stories of the World Cup.

Three and a half weeks ago the Newcastle man was in both physical and mental agony as he looked destined to miss the biggest matches of his life.

Thankfully for him and us, he's made it to Japan. He made his World Cup debut as a substitute against Sweden on Sunday and will be challenging for a starting place when we take on Argentina on Friday.

TheFA.com caught up with the Newcastle flyer to check out his World Cup heroes, and how he's enjoying life with England.

TheFA.com: It's great to have you here in Japan. Where were you for the 1998 World Cup and did you think you'd make it into the 2002 World Cup squad?

Kieron: In 1998 I was in Cyprus and I can remember watching the Argentina game in one of the busiest bars in the whole resort, there were about a thousand people all in the same place.

At that time I was already established in the England Under-21 team and playing first team football for Ipswich and, though obviously that Tournament was one to early, the thought certainly crossed my mind that if I continued progressing as I was I knew I could have a chance of making the 2002 World Cup squad.

TheFA.com: What's your most vivid memory of the last World Cup?

Kieron: I'll never forget the reaction that everyone had when Michael Owen went on that run and scored his goal. It showed how a single moment can touch a nation.

I heard that after the game he spoke to his agent who told him that things would never be the same for him again. That's what happens in World Cups - goals create players.

Another of my favourite World Cup moments is that 1970 Final between Brazil and Italy which Brazil won so brilliantly. It just reminds you that this is where heroes are made and I just hope that can be me one day.

TheFA.com: You came on to play right midfield against Sweden and you played on the left side against Paraguay in April. What's your favourite position?

Kieron: I mostly play central midfield now. In the past, because the gaffer at Newcastle likes to have someone quick upfront, I've played a lot of games there. But, since Craig Bellamy's come to the club, I've reverted back to my favourite position in the centre. 

I always say on the wings and maybe as a striker too, you have to rely on others to bring you into the game a bit, but in central midfield you are in the thick of the action and you can go and get the ball yourself.

TheFA.com: How are you adapting to the heat out here?

Kieron: When I was 18, I played in the Under-20 World Cup in Malaysia and I found that although the heat seemed to take its toll on other players, it didn't seem to bother me. Fitness is one of my strong points and hopefully that will stand me in good stead in Japan.

TheFA.com: How are you enjoying being with England and working with Sven?

Kieron: Mr Eriksson has given youth a chance. The players coming through for England over the last couple of years has been remarkable and I think it's great we have been given this opportunity because youngsters don't have fear anything, they just go out there and play with exuberance.

People have said that maybe this World Cup has come too early and we'll be better equipped in the 2006 competition, but I believe that we've got a great chance this year.

It's always great to be away with England because you learn so much training with the players every day. Alan Shearer told me you're never too old to learn and it's true, I've picked up so much from just watching and taking things in.

The England set-up under Sven is amazingly professional. The first squad I came to I had about 20 blood tests to check what kind food I was taking in, what your body's liquid levels are like, how much fat I had. And in every training session we have a heart monitor as well - I couldn't believe how professional it was. You need that in world football today.

Sven doesn't shout or holler - with his track record, he's got the utmost respect of the players before he even speaks.

When he speaks people listen. His manner may be light but he knows the game inside out. He has been a breath of fresh air for England. You only have to look at our results since he took over - they speak for themselves.

TheFA.com: Who are your best mates in the camp?

Kieron: Rio and Emile are probably my two best friends in the camp and we've all come through together from the England Under-21 set-up.

I've known Rio for years though since we played against each other at county level way back when we were 13.

It's not just like we hang around in twos or threes though, we do everything together and there's some really good banter. I think team sprit is one of England's strong points in this World Cup.

TheFA.com: Other than England, who do you fancy to win the World Cup?

Kieron: You can never rule out France obviously, but I've also got a sneaky feeling that Brazil might come to the fore again. I saw them play against Portugal recently when they had Ronaldo back up front and they looked very good - a joy to watch.

Lucio at the back has also impressed me. He was fantastic against both Manchester United and Real Madrid. Brazil are not too famous for their defenders but he looks very good and is extremely comfortable on the ball - Nobby Solano told me about him a long time ago.

I think any team that finishes ahead of those two countries will win the World Cup.

Kieron was talking to Daniel Freedman