England international Michael Carrick today achieved his goal of moving back into the Premiership.

Michael, a stylish and composed midfielder who Sven rated highly enough to pick enough as long ago as May of 2001, enjoyed his greatest moment for his country when he scored a vital play-off winner for the England Under-21 side to seal a two-legged victory over Holland in the European Championship Qualifiers at Pride Park in November 2001.

Carrick was quick to point out that his chances of impressing in the Premiership could only be beneficial to his England chances: "Playing for England was a massive factor in me joining Spurs," he said.

"I could see young players like Ledley in the England team and that is where I want to be. I would like to be in the next squad, but it's up to me to make the most of the chance I've been given.

"If I perform at the highest level with Spurs then England is obviously the next step for me. But if I do not take this chance then I know the buck will stop with me."

In fact, a look at the full line-up that night shows that Carrick is just one member of the then England hopefuls to have progressed his career since those fledgling days.

England U21 v Holland, 13 November 2001 - Match Report

Chris Kirkland - Then with Coventry, has since gone onto join Liverpool in a big money move and be regular member of Sven's Senior squad.
Stephen Wright - Then of Liverpool, joined Sunderland but has dropped away from the international reckoning.
Wayne Bridge - Then of Southampton, now of Chelsea and universally recognised as one of the finest full-backs in European football.
John Terry - No change of club for Chelsea's captain but he has stepped up to prove himself as a leader for club and country.
Ledley King - His progress slowed a little after 2001 but, in the last six months, has re-emerged as an international defender of undoubted class.
Michael Carrick - His goal that night showed he's an opportunist. Will now look to make the most of this new opportunity at White Hart Lane.
Sean Davis - Like Carrick, believes that a move to Spurs will re-invigorate his Premier League and international ambitions.
David Dunn - David was captain of the Under-21s that night and went on to play for Sven. When he returns from injury, he'll see this as a big season for himself.
Jermaine Pennant - Amazingly still young enough to play for the Under-21s. Tord thought he had his best ever England game against the Ukraine last week.
Shola Ameobi - Has talent to burn. His name was mentioned in connection with a possible full England call-up last week before injury intervened.
Jermain Defoe - One of the brightest stars of that constellation, now shining for Sven's men. Has always, always looked like he was full of goals.

Perhaps it's worth remembering Peter Taylor's Under-21 line-up from last week after all, who knows where this lot will be in three year's time?

England U21 v Ukraine, 17 August 2004 - Match Report

Carson (Leeds), Hunt (Bolton), Ferdinand (West Ham), Kilgallon (Leeds), Richards (Ipswich); Pennant (Arsenal), O’Neil (Portsmouth), Milner (Newcastle), Downing (Middlesbrough); Cole (on loan Aston Villa), Stead (Blackburn)

Michael Carrick Factfile

Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 28 July 1981 
Place of Birth: Wallsend
Height: 6' 1''
Weight: 11 10

England Seniors:       2 caps 0 goals
England Under-21s: 14 caps 2 goals
England Under-18s:   4 caps 1 goal

Year

Club

Apps

Goals

1998/99

West Ham United

0

0

1999/00

West Ham United

8

1

1999/00

Swindon Town

6

2

1999/00

Birmingham City

2

0

2000/01

West Ham United

33

1

2001/02

West Ham United

30

2

2002/03

West Ham United

30

1

2003/04

West Ham United

35

1

2004/05

West Ham United

0

0

2004/05

Tottenham Hotspur

0

0