Contenders: Carrick
Tuesday, 30 December, 2008
Midfielder Michael Carrick made one appearance in 2008 as England beat Germany in Berlin.
During 2008, Fabio Capello awarded caps to 35 players in ten games as England won eight, drew one and lost one. Today we look at Michael Carrick, who made one appearance for The Three Lions in 2008.
Age 27
Date of Birth 28.07.81
Caps in 2008 1
Career Caps 15
Manchester United
A regular in Manchester United's midfield during 2008, which has seen him claim Premier League and Champions League winners' medals, a place in the England side has been more difficult to come by for Michael Carrick.
When the former Tottenham and West Ham United man was named in a Three Lions squad by Fabio Capello for the first time in August, a year after his last cap, an injury sustained playing for United against hometown club Newcastle forced him out of contention.
He then had to wait until November for his next opportunity for England, following an impressive run for the Old Trafford giants as he scored his first two goals of the season.
Carrick was given his first start since Germany were at Wembley in August 2007 as Capello's men travelled to Berlin for their final match of the year.
And the 27-year-old midfielder impressed, playing a full game in the absence of Lampard and Gerrard, as England beat German 2-1.
Quotes
"It's very satisfying, to come to a place like this with the history between the two countries. It was never going to be easy, but I thought we played well at times and deserved the win.
"Maybe this is a good chance for me and now that I am here I want to play and try to stay in there. I want to push for a starting place, but everyone is the same.
"We've got some world-class players in midfield but it's a great challenge. Hopefully the competition for places will bring everybody's game on. Everyone is playing well in the domestic league. It's a nice problem for the manager to have.
"As players you always want to play for your country. There's nothing better than playing for your country. The more games the better." Michael Carrick