David Beckham was arguably the better of England's players in the final warm-up games ahead of Germany (though the standard of opposition should be noted), and he may be about to enjoy a major tournament performance to finally remember, following disappointing displays at the previous two World Cups and European Championships.
It may not, of course, be his last chance. At 31 the England captain says he wishes to continue international football for as long as possible, hinting that he would like to play at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
And it is difficult to believe that he will lose his place in right midfield, initially at least, for the Euro 2008 qualifiers however he plays in Germany, such is the hold he has over the England management.
Questioned following the B match against Belarus, Sven-Goran Eriksson was notably annoyed at the suggestion he and Beckham have a cosy relationship. It was interesting to see this most polite yet bland media performer (a choice made consciously having assessed the British media, he recently admitted) show genuine emotion and, possibly, told its own story.
But while Beckham may continue, he could well be playing for his future as skipper over the next few weeks, as the question of who leads England once Eriksson goes seems less straightforward, with John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville among those offering viable alternatives.
Steve McClaren takes over in the summer. The former Middlesbrough boss knows Beckham well, having coached him with Manchester United as well as England. He may see no reason to name a different captain. Or, he might wish to make a clean break with the last five and a half years. Whatever he decides, it will be interesting. How McClaren views Beckham's role will offer the opening insight into the post-Eriksson era and the thinking of the new coach.
Of course, if England were to win on 10 July to become World Champions for only the second time, then the decision will have been made a little easier for McClaren.
