The man who is being overlooked --- Michael Carrick

In the critical five-day spell which determined England's World Cup fate, Rooney manned up to lead his nation to Rio next June, but it was Andros Townsend and Leighton Baines who stole the headlines. Apparently, new faces got the nation excited, when the golden generation is yet to live up to the expectation.

One man is again lost in translation. He seldom steals the show but is always a consistent contributor on the field. Michael Carrick's presence in the second half against Montenegro and the 70 minutes against Poland made a significant difference to the England side, which have long been passively predictable in big occasions.

Looking to repeat his European triumph, Sir Alex Ferguson quickly identified Carrick as one of his missing puzzles. His ability to play the ball out of defence, spread the ball around the field and enhance the quality of possession has made him indispensable in United’s midfield last few years.  

Carrick (left) is often surrounded by starpower

Joining United brought Carrick's career to another level, but may have also hurt his international career. Though being pivotal to United’s success, his low-profile playing style is further overshadowed by the stars at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie and co. have always attracted the attention. Even in 2008 when they came on top in the Champions League, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and even Owen Hargreaves were recognised ahead of Carrick.

One reason he did not win over the heart of the fans is that he is no typical English midfielder. There are no all-out tackles or tireless runs in his game; instead, it is his well-thought anticipation and composure is only seen as slow and indecisive in the fast and furious England soil. He simply doesn’t fit the 4-4-2 formation many English managers – especially the one in charge now – favour. He is often behind the hardworking and marauding counterparts.

always play with composure

This is why Owen Hargreaves, Gareth Barry and most recently Jack Wilshere are all higher in the pack – whoever is in charge of the national team – when it comes to choosing a midfield partner for Scholes, Gerrard or Lampard in a 4-4-2. Not because he is not as good; but because he is different – in a positive but unappreciated way as managers of the Three Lions, after Carrick rose to prominence, have been rather defensive-minded and conservative.

When the World Cup kicks off next year, Gerrard will be 34 and Lampard would be counting down his 35^th year; and they could in no way manage the frequent fixtures in group stage. Regardless of the importance of their influence and experience, Roy Hodgson should really start thinking about Carrick if he still hasn’t.

England has been relying on solid defence to go as deep as they could in recent tournaments, often lost out ultimately in the Russian roulette game --- penalty. When facing weaker teams, they run out of ideas to break through the crowded defence. What Carrick can offer is greater portion of possession and, if not the stagnant-breaking through balls, the passing range to distort packed defence.  

David Moyes perhaps could offer a tip or two when it comes to building a 4-4-2 midfield around Carrick. Despite the fuss, Marouane Fellaini is a more-than-decent partner for Carrick --- doing all the dirty stuff as well as compensating for the physical presence, allowing the Englishman time to use the ball wisely. The Gattuso-Pirlo partnership is another good reference, seeing Pirlo flourished with the help of the Milan mad-man.

A good example to learn from

 Phil Jones, Carrick's United teammate, maybe the closest match of that to Fellaini but being inexperienced and probably technically inadequate, it is unlikely Hodgson will opt for Jones. Jack Wilshere is also a front-runner for a starting place in the team but it will only be a waste of his attacking talent deploying him as a destructive midfielder. Scott Parker was a favourite when Hodgson first took charge, though he would need to start play more regularly in Fulham to regain his starting place.

It seems after all there are no suitable partners for Carrick and, much to Hodgson’s regret, this is why he remains on the periphery of the national team. After a much commanding performance against Poland, Hodgson will stay a worried man to seek for solutions to utilise Carrick's ability in Rio next year.