Michael Carrick impressed during England 's draw with Italy last week . But the midfielder has been ordinary in his nine competitive starts . The former Manchester United and Everton man is averaging just over a goal every two games for club and country, but he was also poor against Germany on Saturday as England were beaten 1-0 by their northern England bosses consistently preferred Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard .
Michael Carrick impressed during England 's draw with Italy last week . But the midfielder has been ordinary in his nine competitive starts . England won four of those - Ecuador , San Marino , Poland and Lithuania . England bosses consistently preferred Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard .