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Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick not focusing on possible England place at Euro 2012
The 30-year-old has not featured for the Three Lions since before World Cup 2010 and is refusing to hang his hopes on a recall despite being praised for his club form
11 Jan 2012 16:37:00
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says that he is not focusing on his chances of making Fabio Capello’s England squad for Euro 2012 this summer.
The 30-year-old has been praised by manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his performances this season but has not featured in a Three Lions shirt since a friendly against Mexico before World Cup 2010.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Carrick said of this summer’s tournament: “To be honest, it's not something I’ve thought about.
“I'm just concentrating on playing here and playing well. Whatever happens, happens.
“I haven’t been involved in the last few squads so I’m just concentrating on doing well here.”
The former West Ham man does not feel that his game has changed particularly in the current campaign despite earning plenty of plaudits for his showings in a red shirt, suggesting that, at 30, he is no longer seen as a player who needs to prove himself.
“I haven’t changed as a player,” Carrick argued.
“But maybe as you get older and gain more experience, that brings more responsibility. You're looked at slightly differently and that's fine, I’m comfortable with that.
“[This is] the way I’ve always played. I'm not going to change because situations change. You’ve got to do what you’re good at and keep improving.
“I enjoy the responsibility and, as you get older, maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. I’m comfortable with that.”
The central midfielder, who has been forced to fill in at centre-back at times due to a number of injuries at Old Trafford, has made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils so far in 2011-12.
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The 30-year-old has been praised by manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his performances this season but has not featured in a Three Lions shirt since a friendly against Mexico before World Cup 2010.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Carrick said of this summer’s tournament: “To be honest, it's not something I’ve thought about.
“I'm just concentrating on playing here and playing well. Whatever happens, happens.
“I haven’t been involved in the last few squads so I’m just concentrating on doing well here.”
The former West Ham man does not feel that his game has changed particularly in the current campaign despite earning plenty of plaudits for his showings in a red shirt, suggesting that, at 30, he is no longer seen as a player who needs to prove himself.
“I haven’t changed as a player,” Carrick argued.
“But maybe as you get older and gain more experience, that brings more responsibility. You're looked at slightly differently and that's fine, I’m comfortable with that.
“[This is] the way I’ve always played. I'm not going to change because situations change. You’ve got to do what you’re good at and keep improving.
“I enjoy the responsibility and, as you get older, maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. I’m comfortable with that.”
The central midfielder, who has been forced to fill in at centre-back at times due to a number of injuries at Old Trafford, has made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils so far in 2011-12.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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14:09 BST -
One of my favourite parts of tournaments like these is seeing someone come out of nowhere to make an impact on the international scene. Juventus' Emanuele Giaccherini is hoping to be one of those having been a surprise, uncapped inclusion in the Italy squad - and good luck to him!
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