Carrick ready to impress
Wednesday, 07 October, 2009
Michael Carrick is eager for a chance to impress Fabio Capello against Ukraine.
Michael Carrick is hoping for the chance to impress Fabio Capello when England take on Ukraine on Saturday.
The Manchester United midfielder is looking to take part in his first competitive game for his country in three years, and Carrick is keen to stake a claim for a regular place in the team.
Carrick said: "I am hoping to play a part [on Saturday], it would be nice. I'm here to play for my country and play as much as I can. I hope to get a chance - I'll have to wait and see.
"It seems a long time [since I started] so I am eager to get involved and hopefully do well. Saturday will not be easy at all and it is a tough place to go. It will be a good test.
"But I have gained a lot of experience playing for Manchester United in big games in Europe since I last played in a qualifier for England so hopefully that will help."
Carrick made it clear that no one within the England squad is getting carried away after qualifying for the World Cup, saying that everyone is determined to maintain the winning mentality.
"We'll be taking it very seriously, just as important as any other game. We're in a great position having qualified with a great record, but the worse thing we could do is take a foot off the pedal and limp through to the World Cup. We have to keep the momentum going. Winning is a great habit that boosts confidence and belief.
"These are our last two competitive games before the World Cup. It seems a long time to go before the World Cup but it is not long in terms of matches so it is very very important to keep the momentum up and focus on doing the right thing and getting good habits for next summer.
"Ten wins [out of ten in qualification] would be a great achievement and mean we would really bounce into next summer full of confidence and belief, without getting carried away."
Speaking about England's bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Carrick was glowing about what it would mean to everyone in this country if the biggest competition in football was held here.
Carrick explained: "It would be an unbelievable experience to be involved in it. I remember Euro '96 from a fans' point of view when nation went berserk for football.
"It was a great time to be English and [to host the World Cup] would mean everything to the players, squad and fans. We're geared up, so hopefully it will all work out. It will also motivate younger players coming through to to do bigger and better things."
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