England captain Steven Gerrard is aiming to break David Beckham's international appearance record and believes winning the World Cup in Brazil next year could yet be possible for Roy Hodgson's men.
Gerrard, honoured by a Football Writers' Association tribute dinner on Sunday, won his 100th cap against Sweden in November while England are currently second in World Cup qualifying Group H, two points behind Montenegro ahead of the March double header which sees trips to makeweights San Marino and then the leaders in Podgorica.
Were England to qualify for Brazil 2014 and Gerrard remain free of injuries, the midfielder would close in on Beckham's tally of 115 caps -- the most won by an England outfield player.
"My personal ambitions are to get as many caps as I can -- I have got David Beckham's record in my sights, so I am going to try to beat that because he is a special player," Gerrard said.
England haven't won a major trophy since lifting the World Cup on home soil in 1966 and Gerrard added: "I don't want to raise expectations, I am sure it will probably go through the roof if and when we get there, so I don't really want to talk about the World Cup until we actually get there, we still have some important games to play, but I am confident we can achieve it (qualification).
"As I always say going into a major tournament, you need to get that bit of luck and when the ball drops your way, I think you can achieve the impossible -- I have done it before with Liverpool, and we have seen Chelsea do it last year (in the Champions League).
"It is not necessarily all the time that the best teams win these competitions, so we can go into there with hope and belief.
"We have got some big players coming back from injury, like Jack Wilshere, who is going to play a big part.
"If you look at his game and his personality, he is another top player coming into the side and there are a batch of young players coming through and they can grow and hopefully peak before the World Cup.
AFP
Mon Jan 21 2013
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.