Michael Carrick may have come off probably his best ever-season playing in a Manchester Untied shirt but he will not be donning a white shirt for England this summer at the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.

That’s because Carrick in effect ‘ruled’ himself out of being selected in Roy Hodgson’s squad as he didn’t want to go to the Championships if he wasn’t pushing for a starting-role in England’s midfield.

Some fans may say that not wanting to go to a major tournament just because you’re not likely to start is selfish as you should always be ready if your country is calling you. However for Carrick it’s an understandable reason.

He wasn’t likely despite after a fantastic season to get in Hodgson’s starting-lineup what with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker James Milner and Gareth Barry all being selected and hasn’t ever really been an England regular.

Players will always dream of winning tournaments playing for their country however some are not happy to just ‘sit there’ in the background and pick up a winners medal, some would rather ‘win’ one, so to speak.

Carrick calling a day on his England career is a good thing for him and United. He can now focus on the next 4-5 years of his career and focus solely on keeping his place in United’s midfield whilst spending more time with his family.

England have an abundance of talented young midfielders at the moment and with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Jack Rodwell coming through, a few more of the older-guard should step aside after the Euro’s to give the youngsters their chance.

It is a shame though that for someone so talented that Carrick only won 22 caps for England. Then again that’s 22 more caps than Steve Bruce ever got and at least he did play (albeit only one game) in a World Cup which is something that every footballer dreams of growing up.

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87