Monday 23 June 2014 06:56, UK
Rickie Lambert concedes he will have mixed emotions when England’s World Cup journey ends against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Defeats to Italy and Uruguay mean they go into the game playing purely for pride, with Roy Hodgson’s side unable to progress in the competition.
Lambert, who confirmed a move to Liverpool from Southampton before departing for Brazil, came on as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Uruguay on Friday.
Despite sharing in the disappointment of England’s exit from the World Cup, the striker is keen to take some comfort from representing his country at a major tournament and has targeted an improved performance against Costa Rica.
"It's a difficult scenario to be in, everyone's disappointed about what's happened and the fact that we've got (just) one more game left," said Lambert.
"But we've got to be professional and we've got to give our best and get three points to finish on a high against Costa Rica.
"It's been the best experience of my career and probably the worst experience at the same time.
"It's always difficult being an England fan and getting knocked out, but this time being involved is devastating to get knocked out at an early stage.
"It was probably the worst moment of my career when the final whistle went and we were knocked out of the World Cup.
"It was horrible. Maybe I might look back in years to come and think 'I've played in a World Cup', that will live with me forever. But I can't remember any moments that are as bad as that."
