To see inside the Socceroos' World Cup HQ...

Supporters and media alike shudder at the thought of a Socceroos side minus the Everton man but he has no problem with the expectation on his shoulders.

"A hundred per cent I want that, I've wanted it all the time," he said. "It's a compliment that reflects on you as a person and as a footballer," he told the Liverpool Echo.

" Yeah, it's a massive weight, but is it really? I'm going to grab this with both hands to make sure not only I fulfil my dreams, but the dreams of the people because they're who you play for."

Cahill may be viewed as a top performer but he will be up against other world stars in South Africa.

Is it a chance to compare, to see how he measures up against them?

"Is it a measure? Maybe yes, but it's not the be all and end all," he added. "All I say to myself is you're playing against the best players in the world, so don't waste the opportunity."

To see inside the Socceroos' World Cup HQ...