Michael Carrick: 'I'd consider England return'

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 22 July 2012

Michael Carrick says that his international disillusionment came as a result of Fabio Capello's management and that he would be happy to consider a return under Roy Hodgson.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has insisted that he is open to an England recall.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson did not select Carrick in his 23-man squad for Euro 2012, later revealing that the 30-year-old did not wish to be considered for selection.

However, Carrick says that his international disillusionment came as a result of Fabio Capello's management and that he would be happy to consider a return under Hodgson.

"I would consider it, definitely," said Carrick. "It wasn't a case of me turning my back on my country or quitting. It was just that at my age, I came to the last World Cup and didn't play. It was a hard time. I just didn't feel part of it.

"I haven't said this before but during the last World Cup I never featured and was never really close to playing. I hadn't played for two years so it was getting to that stage where I wasn't really playing.

"I didn't kick the door down and say 'you've got to play me or I'll leave'. It wasn't a case of that at all. It was more a case if I wasn't going to play, then I'd rather not go with England. If you're not playing at my age, especially under Capello, then it's not worth it. That was my decision. Some people have said it was more 'play me or I'll quit' but it was nothing at all like that."

England's next match is a friendly against their Euro 2012 conquerers, Italy, in Berne on August 15.