The England vs. Uruguay friendly was patchy and apart from one or two more noticeable events (like a giant, jammy South American volley) it degenerated into ten blue-shirted men behind the ball with ten red-shirted men in front of them.
But one element shone out brightly. Every time Michael Carrick picked up the ball England began to look like a decent football team. The usual flapping and rushing around mysteriously slowed down and the ball was sharply and accurately passed to a player who had a good chance of doing something with it.
Here was a bloke who was passing opportunities all over the field and not dashing up to a forward position every couple of minutes hoping for a goal. When the Frank, Stevie and David midfield is operating, these stars often seem to be playing for themselves rather than the team. With Carrick sitting in the holding role and spraying neat balls off both feet the defence seemed to breathe confidence and the other attacking players were getting good service. The fact I support Spurs has got nothing to do with this. It really changed England for the better and if Sven doesn’t take Carra to Germany he will really be missing a trick.
After the match Eriksson said: ‘I was impressed with Carrick. I like him. He’s getting better and better. When he started at Tottenham it wasn’t only me having doubts it was his club manager as well because he often started on the bench.’
Carrick said: ‘The timing seems to be right. Everything has come together and on a personal level and I’ve been playing pretty well for Tottenham. It would mean everything to go to Germany. It’s what you dream about.’
Carrick is well aware that Ledley King was tried as the holding midfielder against Argentina but after the Uruguay game it was absolutely clear that Carrick is the man who should take that role. Carrick said: ‘Ledley does well in the midfield holding role. He hasn’t played there much at Spurs but he’s a good player, he can adapt. I don’t see it as a straight fight between the two of us but it’s not for me to judge. I suppose I will just try and do my best and hope that’s good enough.’
You know it makes sense Sven. Keep Ledley as a centre half. Two Spurs are better than one.
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