Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has made a sensational change of heart and will play for the Three Lions in their friendly against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926.
Carrick made himself unavailable for selection before the European Championships, citing lack of game time at International level as the main reason behind his decision. And while he enjoyed his vacation, his country suffered in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ukraine-c3032, eventually
bowing out without making a mark at the tournament.
Roy Hodgson’s apparent need for midfielder was clearly evident at the tournament and who better to fit the bill then Carrick, who has been Sir http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-c4752 Ferguson’s main go-to-choice for field dominance in the past few years.
However, his time with the Lions has been far from satisfactory, as he was on the sidelines for the World Cup in 2010 despite making an impressive case for a starting role.
Now after having discussions with Hodgson and former United teammate http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gary-Neville-c14447, the player has decided to change his decision and play for his nation in Bern on Wednesday night.
The team is surely going to benefit from the veteran’s passing range and defensive ability, something which could come in handy given Hodgson’s preference for a non-attacking philosophy.
"http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Carrick-c25282 would have always been in our thinking. I was given to believe he didn’t want to be part of the England set-up. He didn’t want to be considered for the Euros so I reluctantly thought if people are not available they are not available.”
"He has had discussions with Gary and me since and it turns out that he does want to play. This is an ideal opportunity to invite him to come and play for England again. There has never been any doubt that Carrick has not been in our thoughts or our wishes.
It was more a case of believing he wasn’t available for http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 and it was a final decision,” the tactician said.
England take on the Italians in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Switzerland-c3016, but the quarter-final defeat at the Euros will still be lingering in everyone’s mind, especially Andrea Pirlo’s heroics.
However with a fresh start, there’s no telling what Hodgson and his troops can pull off in official FIFA friendly
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