Michael Carrick 's outstanding second-half performance for England against Italy on Tuesday night has put him on course to become the longest-serving outfield player to represent the Three Lions behind Sir Stanley Matthews . Carrick made his England debut against Mexico in May 2001 as a teenager with West Ham United and if – as now seems likely – he carries through to Euro 2016 , he will be the first non-goalkeeper since the legendary Sir Stanley to have an international career spanning more than 15 years . Matthews won his 54 England caps over a 23-year period between 1934 and 1957 , interrupted of course by the Second World War . Michael Carrick 's appearance for England against Italy on Tuesday night keeps him in the longest-serving list . Carrick has played for England for 13 years , 310 days - while Sir Stanley Matthews reached 22 years , 228 days . Sir Stanley runs with the ball in action for England against Brazil at Wembley in an international friendly . Stanley Matthews ( 1934-57 ) 22 yrs , 228 days . Peter Shilton ( 1970-90 ) 19 yrs , 224 days . Frank Lampard ( 1999-2014 ) 14 yrs , 257 days . Steven Gerrard ( 2000-2014 ) 14 yrs , 23 days . David Seaman ( 1988-2002 ) 13 yrs , 335 days . Michael Carrick ( 2001- ) 13 yrs , 310 days . ... AND THE LEGENDS HE OVERTOOK . David Beckham ( 1996-2009 ) – 13 yrs , 43 days . Sir Bobby Charlton ( 1958-70 ) 12 yrs , 23 days . Bobby Moore ( 1962-73 ) 11 yrs , 178 days . Gary Lineker ( 1984-1992 ) 8 yrs , 22 days . Carrick was hailed by Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney as 'the best player on the pitch by a mile ' after the 33-year-old was introduced as a half-time substitute in Turin and helped Roy Hodgson 's men fight back to earn a 1-1 draw . His longevity already surpasses that of great names like Sir Bobby Charlton , Bobby Moore , David Beckham and Gary Lineker and if he continues to play in the next European Championship he will overtake Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard too . The only player to have had a longer career since Matthews is goalkeeper Peter Shilton who played for England between 1971 and 1990 . It also begs the question why Carrick , who has won four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United , has been used so sparingly by his country at international tournaments . He played once at the 2006 World Cup in a 1-0 victory against Ecuador , was in the squad but never played by Fabio Capello in the disastrous 2010 campaign in South Africa , and was n't even selected by Roy Hodgson last year in Brazil , even though England 's perennial problem has been keeping the ball . With Rooney now captain and clearly a huge fan of the midfielder , it seems unlikely Carrick will be overlooked again and is now finally getting the recognition he deserves . The 33-year-old may still have a few years left but remains a long way off Sir Stanley 's record . Carrick ( left ) pictured with England team-mates Raheem Sterling ( centre ) and Danny Welbeck ( right ) vs Italy , March 31 , 2015. vs Lithuania , Mar 27 , 2015. vs Poland , October 15 , 2013. vs Montenegro , October 11 , 2013. vs Brazil , June 2 , 2013. vs Ireland , May 29 , 2013. vs Montenegro , March 26 , 2013. vs Poland , October 17 , 2012. vs San Marino , October 12 , 2012. vs Moldova , September 12 , 2012. vs Italy , August 15 , 2012. vs Mexico , May 24 , 2010. vs Egypt , March 3 , 2010. vs Ukraine , October 10 , 2009. vs Slovenia , September 5 , 2009. vs Holland , August 12 , 2009. vs Slovakia , March 28 , 2009. vs Spain , February 11 , 2009. vs Germany , November 19 , 2008. vs Germany , August 22 , 2007. vs Brazil , June 1 , 2007. vs Spain , February 7 , 2007. vs Holland , November 15 , 2006. vs Croatia , October 11 , 2006. vs Macedonia , October 7 , 2006. vs Macedonia , September 6 , 2006. vs Ecuador , June 25 , 2006. vs Jamaica , June 3 , 2006. vs Uruguay , March 1 , 2006. vs Colombia , May 31 , 2005. vs USA , May 28 , 2005. vs Holland , August 15 , 2001. vs Mexico , May 25 , 2001 .
Michael Carrick made his England debut against Mexico in May 2001 . The Manchester United man came on against Italy on Tuesday night . Carrick has been serving England for 13 years and 310 days . Sir Stanley Matthews played for a staggering 22 years and 228 days .