Carrick Delighted With Individual Performance

England manager Fabio Capello fielded a well-balanced Three Lions side on Wednesday evening - especially in midfield, where two natural wingers flanked the sides, complemented by a disciplined defensive midfielder and a sound passer of the ball.

Michael Carrick enjoyed a good midfield battle with German shielding midfielder Simon Rolfes, with the Manchester United man getting the better of the German.

Carrick explained on the Football Association's official website that he was delighted with his own display, as well as the overall performance of a team missing eight regular internationals.

Historical Rivalry

"It's very satisfying, to come to a place like this with the history between the two countries. It was never going to be easy but I thought we played well at times and deserved the win.

"I think you can see the lads are playing with a smile on their face, really enjoying themselves, and people stepped up and performed," he said.

"It's great because even with the injuries we've had it shows the strength in depth of the squad, that bodes well for the future.

"Hopefully we can keep improving and progressing and if we keep enjoying as we are then who knows what can happen?"

Playing With Confidence

Regarding the new-found confidence of the side, something that had been drained from England after their disappointing failure to qualify for Euro 2008, Carrick added:

"It's the whole camp really, the squad of players, and the belief is there for all to see. Everyone's enjoying it, and when you enjoy something you tend to do it that much better.

"We're not getting carried away at all, the start we've had to the World Cup campaign has been very good but it's only a start, there's a lot of work to be done, but things are moving in the right direction."

Fabio Capello has since described the victory as the perfect end to the year.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com