The 33-year-old is appearing at his third World Cup tournament with La Roja and hoping to play a bigger role than in Russia four years ago, where he didn’t feature under stand-in coach Fernando Hierro.

There are hints of a special narrative for Azpilicueta in Qatar after the defender made his senior debut for Spain in Doha in 2013 and also completed his set of club trophies with victory in nearby Abu Dhabi in the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year.

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While securing an elusive piece of national team silverware is clearly the aim, Azpilicueta is focused on adding to his impressive collection rather than trading on past glories.

‘Why would I swap any trophies?’ he responded when asked the question at the weekend. ‘I want to get another one, this one if I can.

'I made my debut for Spain against Uruguay here in Qatar, in Doha in 2013, so it would be a good story for me to win the World Cup here.’

‘We have a brilliant opportunity. We have an amazing group and we will try to impose our rhythm.'

The Chelsea skipper clearly feels he has unfinished business on the international stage and will be determined to establish himself as a starter for Luis Enrique’s side, who also face Germany and Japan in Group E.

That will see Azpilicueta come up against his club team-mate Kai Havertz on Sunday, a familiar face who may inspire him to replicate club form and success for his country.

‘I’ve never been able to show my game for the national team as I have for Chelsea,’ admitted Azpi.

‘I’ve been able to play more and show my true level since the Euros and now I have a fantastic opportunity at the World Cup. The last two World Cup experiences were not good but football gives us one more opportunity.

‘The team is in a good place. We have young players and that's the main difference this time. They are in good shape and they have a kind of courage. This is what I am most impressed by - the courage they have to always go forward to achieve what they want.

‘We will try our best to make people proud and of course I'd love to add this trophy to my cabinet.’

Despite a tricky group, Spain will be expected to progress to the knockout round and Azpilicueta believes that Gareth Southgate’s England could be one of their toughest potential opponents in the latter stages.

'England have shown their progression in these kinds of tournaments, in the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018 and the final in the Euros,’ he added.

'They have a strong group, a talented group, a young group, so I think they are one of the strongest teams in the tournament.'