No country has ever successfully defended the world title, yet victory over favourites South Africa at Stade de France would see England hold the Webb Ellis Trophy for another four years.
And 31-year-old Kay, an ever-present during England's 2007 campaign, has no doubt where the current red rose vintage deserves to be ranked.
He said: "I honestly believe if we win at the weekend, it will mean more to me than last time around because of the trough we've been through since winning that World Cup, personally and as a team.
"I think a lot of guys said after the 2003 final that the feeling was an overwhelming sense of relief.
"That was because we we had gone into the tournament as hot favourites, having beaten New Zealand and Australia in their respective countries a few months earlier.
"We didn't play particularly well during the (2003) World Cup.
"There were a few scares, and we only really got it together in the semi-final against France.
"To have come into this tournament with everyone telling us we had absolutely no hope, right up to the last couple of weeks, then if we were to win it, it would be a phenomenal achievement.
"When people write you off as much as we've been written off, you do start to believe it slightly.
"It just shows the character of the guys that everyone has stuck together and given it their best shot.
"Perhaps we haven't played the most attractive style of rugby, but it is winning rugby, and that's all that is important."
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