Ukraine vs. England: Michael Carrick’s Absence Remains a Mystery

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: September 10, 2013

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As tentative and small as it was, England moved a step closer to the 2014 World Cup after an instantly forgettable 0-0 draw with Ukraine.

The point sustains their lead in Group H, keeping them just ahead of their opponents in this game, as well as Montenegro. However, had Michael Carrick been involved, things could have been far more straightforward.

It was Ukraine which had the greater chances during this contest, keeping the visitors pinned back in their defensive third for prolonged periods of play. The closing stages were especially nervy for Roy Hodgson's side, which could not afford to lose.

Few England players—bar the excellent centre-backs—emerged with much credit from this performance and the main gripe was an inability to maintain possession and dictate extended phases in the ascendancy.



Rickie Lambert's hold-up play disintegrated as the game progressed and none of Jack Wilshere, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard—as a central trio—were able to recycle possession or find space and time for their side. Why Michael Carrick wasn't involved at some point, given these particular failings, was especially confusing.

The Manchester United man remains criminally underused at international level, despite being England's most metronomic and effective passer. Given the authority he plays with for his club, there's an argument for him starting every international game. At the very least he needed to come on at some stage to shore up midfield and influence this game.



If he's only to be a bit player for his country and put on the bench to be used in specific scenarios, then when else will his skills be required if they weren't what was desired here?

Watching on, Hodgson would have grown increasingly tetchy with the sloppy manner his side continually surrendered possession, almost encouraging Ukraine to press forward. Yet why it never cr...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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