Sven's men take on Northern Ireland in their World Cup Qualifier tonight nine years after Ray joined the coaching set-up under Glenn Hoddle.

His first game, another World Cup Qualifier, ended in a 3-0 away win and it was also the first appearance for the Three Lions' current captain.

"Glenn brought me in in 1996 and my first game was against Moldova," he recalled. "I remember Nicky Barmby scored the first goal and David Beckham made his debut, so it was very good start."

Speaking to TheFA.com, the former Liverpool and Spurs 'keeper didn't realise his century milestone was approaching: "I wasn't aware I was this close to my 100th match.

"It's amazing to coach for that many games on top of the 61 caps I had as a player and the number of times I sat on the bench.

He added: "I've been with the national team for over 200 games now, so if you look at it that way I've had an awful lot of games and a lot of experiences.

"Certain games stick in your memory.  The goalless draw in Italy where we got the result to qualify for the '98 World Cup.

"Beating Germany on the way to Qualification last time, to win 5-1 was amazing and fantastic performance by the team.

"And then in the Finals when we deservedly beat Argentina 1-0. The atmosphere inside the dome that the England fans created was something else. Everybody who was inside there that night will never forget it."

Since then, it has been a turbulent time for Clemence who earlier this year was diagnosed with prostate cancer. But he's delighted to be back in the swing of things after six months out.

"I'm please to be back amongst everything," he said. "When you're sat at home not doing anything it's very frustrating. I love coaching and being with the squad, the banter and the mickey-taking you don't get in any other job.

"To have a scare like I had makes you look at things a little differently. In football, you can get so involved and it takes over your life."

Today, while the team were preparing for tonight's huge clash, Ray was given a special award from the England Head Coach for his contribution to the international set-up.

"Sven got up in front of the squad and the coaching staff and thanked me for all I've done and what I do here," said Ray. 

"He congratulated me on tonight's game against Northern Ireland being the 100th time I've been a part of the England coaching team.

"It's a lovely momento and will look great in my trophy cabinet."