Manchester United star Michael Carrick desperate to boost England's bid for a World Cup perfect 10

07 October 2009 16:03
Opportunity: Carrick is raring to go for England Michael Carrick has vowed to seize his chance if he is given the nod by England coach Fabio Capello for Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Ukraine.   The Manchester United midfielder has struggled to establish himself at international level, playing second fiddle to the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry.   However, with England having secured their passage to next summer's final in South Africa thanks to eight wins from eight, Capello may turn to his fringe players in Ukraine and for the home clash against Belarus next Wednesday.  'I'm hoping, it's why I'm here,' Carrick said. 'I want to play for my country and hopefully it's an opportunity to get a bit of a chance.   'Saturday's obviously a tough game, a tough place to go and to be involved in that would be great.   'Playing in Europe with United I've gained a lot of experience since I last started a game for England so that should help me a lot.   'To pull on an England shirt is not a given. There's good competition, we're all playing at the top level so everyone's pushing to be involved and the results speak for themselves.   'It makes it easier for individuals to shine so, if I get the shirt, it's up to me to try to keep it.' Although there is no pressure on England for the remaining two games, Carrick believes keeping the winning habit is crucial and is targeting 10 out of 10.   'It seems a long time to go to the World Cup but it's very important when we do get together that we keep the momentum leading into next summer,' he continued. Although England's focus is on South Africa next year, there has been plenty of talk about the 2018 World Cup over the past couple of days, with England among the countries bidding to host the event.   FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has warned England not to be complacent but Carrick believes the country would be brilliant hosts.   'It would be an unbelievable experience,' he added. 'From a fans' point of view, you look back at Euro 96 and how the nation just went berserk for football.   'If we can carry that through and get the nod it would mean everything. The history we have, and the Premier League the way it is now, it's all geared up so hopefully it'll all work out.'

Source: Daily_Mail