MICHAEL OWEN arrives in the Far East today ready to prove to the world just how far he has developed since the moment that made the planet stand up and take notice.
Owen's unforgettable goal against Argentina in St Etienne made his global reputation as one of the world's emerging stars.
It was a nerveless, thrillingly vibrant strike, a goal summing up the sheer fearlessness of a teenager still coming to terms with the extent of his talent.
Four years on, though, and the Liverpool striker has not the slightest doubt that he is a far more complete player than he was then.
Owen said: "St Etienne does feel like a different world now, a long time ago. But I didn't want to be remembered just for that goal against Argentina.
"The last few years have gone very well although it's inevitable that people will think back to Argentina.
"You can't play well in every game and I've had ups and downs and injuries. But four years ago, I'd have settled for being where I am now.
"I've made progress. It's not just in football. Over four years you'd expect young golfers or tennis players to improve. I feel I've done all right.
"I'm an all-round better player than I was against Argentina last time. I'm better in the air...and with my left foot!''
Owen smiled broadly as he made reference to Glenn Hoddle's doubts over his technical ability. Hoddle, the England coach at the time, was castigated but his sentiments were correct.
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier certainly shared them and told Owen he had to learn. Houllier said: "Michael had to improve his left foot. He did and I can pick out two games to show the work he's done.
"In February 1999 we played at Highbury and drew 0-0. He was running down the left, came back on to his right foot and tried to whip it in, but Seaman read it.
"I said to him: 'If you want to be a top player you have to use your left foot. If you have to come back on your right foot, you lose your advantage and the goalkeeper knows what you're going to do'.
"But the second game is the FA Cup Final last year. He knew he had to improve his volleying as well. At Cardiff, the first goal was a volley and the second with his left foot!''
Owen accepted Houllier's advice. He knew it made sense and that it would pay off.
The striker added: "Gerard has been a great help. I wanted it to happen as well, to improve and become a better player.
"Four years ago, for example, I'd never have been in the sort of position I was to make the pass for Nicolas Anelka's goal against Ipswich last week.
"I'd have wanted to be the player making the run he made. Now I do that a bit more. But I never want to take away my main asset, which is getting behind defenders."
That is the asset Sven Goran Eriksson will be aiming to utilise, just as he did to glorious effect on that night of nights in Munich last September.
David Beckham may take more of the limelight but in the eyes of the world it is Owen who stands out as England's most dangerous weapon, emphasised with the Ballon D'Or he was awarded as European Player of the Year. Owen's hat-trick - the first by an Englishman against the Germans since Geoff Hurst in 1966 - was the purest example of the scoring instincts he has honed and sharpened.
Since France 98, Owen has scored 87 goals in 159 games for Liverpool, a remarkable statistic considering his injury problems.
In 114 Premiership appearances, he has scored 64 times and his England goal record is now running at 15 in 34 appearances, with seven coming in his 10 matches for Eriksson.
It places a burden on his shoulders as England fly to the Far East from their Dubai base-camp today. But it is one Owen will take as effortlessly as he converts the crucial chances. He said: "I don't think anyone's ever questioned what I can do.
"They have questioned my fitness, straight after a setback. If they're still questioning me, it will be the case through my career. I can only keep doing it and keep proving people wrong.
"So far I've always answered them. If you're going to be a top player you've got to be able to do things on the big occasions, to prove the doubters wrong.
"I was just happy to be involved last time. There were great players only on the bench so I went there thinking that if I played only five minutes I'd still be able to say I'd been part of the World Cup. Now it is different, with expectation on me, but I don't mind having that.
"When you go to your first World Cup at 18 you're not scared of anything. You don't really have time to think about what you're doing, because you just go out and do it.
"This time I'm more experienced, with over 30 games for England and having played against world-class players. I've got that advantage.
"I've scored in big games and I hope that continues. It would be great to get the Golden Boot because not many people have won that.
"But for it to happen, we'll probably have to go right the way to the final.
"When you say that we'll be a better team in four years you run the risk of people saying that we don't fancy ourselves now for this one, which isn't the case.
"We're one of eight teams who have a real chance of winning it. Obviously France and Argentina might be ahead of us in that list, but we wouldn't be scared of them.
"We don't want to be talking about lifting the World Cup yet but we know we'll be a hard team to beat. We know our quality and that we can pose other teams problems.
"When you're together as a squad that feeling and belief can grow. All the best teams in the world have that spirit when things are going well. You need that.
"You can just get a little click and feel good and that you can do it, then you can get on one of those little rolls and feel you can do anything."
Owen, of course, feels he can do anything every time he walks on to the pitch.
The men who have to face him know that as well. It is what makes him special.