It may be surprising
to many that Michael Carrick has been recalled for England, but I find it
startling how long it has taken for him to return for the national team. Carrick’s
last appearance for England came under Steve McClaren in August 2007 would you
believe, this in despite of assisting Manchester United in winning four Premier
League titles since then. He has been unjustly overlooked by Fabio Cappello without
being given the opportunity to prove his worth to compete for the role most
frequently occupied by the likes of Gareth Barry and Scott Parker. Carrick has
been an integral part of the United set-up over the past few seasons, holding
the midfield together with consistent performances in the midst of injuries to
Andersen and Cleverly as well as Darren Fletcher’s bowl condition, this
alongside Paul Scholes’ temporary retirement. Carrick,
in addition to Micah Richards, Carrick withdrew from contention to be a part of Hodgson’s
squad for Euro 2012 because they had become disenchanted at the lack of
first team opportunities in their country’s colours, especially since Hodgson had
appointed them as reserves for selection. Normally, I vehemently object to any refusal
to represent your country; however in this case I feel great sympathy for both
Richards and Carrick, who I feel if they had been given the opportunity to show
what they could do under Cappello, they may not have refused Hodgson’s
back-up call so hastily.
Carrick’s
belated return arrives next Wednesday, 15th August at the Stade De
Suisse Wankdorf in Berne, Switzerland
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