England midfielder Michael Carrick earned his third cap against the USA.
Sunday, 29 May 2005.
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It has been a long time coming, but Michael Carrick was delighted to have added a third England cap after making his debut as a substitute against Mexico four years ago.
The Tottenham midfielder has been in the international wilderness since then, having suffered injury and then relegation with West Ham, but his fine form for Spurs in the Premiership this 
season has earned him a well-deserved recall.
Carrick did not disappoint with a solid performance at the heart of England’s midfield in the 2-1 win over the United States in Chicago on Saturday. And he says he was glad to be back in the thick of it.
"I really enjoyed, especially in the first-half when we played some good football," he said.
"We got a bit tired towards the end, and some of the lads had a few knocks so it got a bit scrappy, but we did what we set out to do, which was win the game."
Had been given any special instructions before kick-off? "The manager just said to go out there, play my normal game, show what I can do and most importantly enjoy it. I did."
He was celebrating when Kieran Richardson put the Three Lions ahead with his superb free-kick in the third minute. "I didn’t realise it was so early until afterwards," said Carrick.
"It was unbelievable for him - the sort of thing dreams are made of, especially when he scored another before half-time."
The two of them, like several others in what was an inexperienced squad, are 
hoping to make the sort of impression that will put them in Sven’s thoughts as he plans for the World Cup finals in Germany next summer.
"There is a long way to go to the World Cup, but if you get a chance like this to stake a claim you have to take it with both hands," said Carrick.
"You don’t get these sort of chances often. Having said that, you have to be consistent all season for your club, not just shine in one or two games. But we will see what happens."
Like his great mate Joe Cole, Carrick will be looking to see how West Ham fare in the Championship play-off final at Cardiff on Monday. Having played in the equivalent game last year, when they lost to Crystal Palace, Carrick believes West Ham can beat Preston and return to the Premiership.
"I think they can do and will do it this time. I am really hoping they do."