Michael Carrick is one of the most divisive figures in the current English game, which is odd given how little of an impact many fans believe he made.
Carrick’s name is always brought up when it comes to underrated midfielders. And if those people are right in their opinions, then it’s crazy to think these eleven players have made more appearances for the national side than the United midfielder.
Every single person on this list has had a few good moments here and there – but some really haven’t warranted getting more than 34 caps, which is Carrick’s total.
GK – Paul Robinson – 41 caps
Dr Average would likely be Paul Robinson's superhero name. A man caught in the midst of an awful era for English goalkeepers that was somehow preferred above the rest. Image Source: Effective Goalkeeping.
RB – Glen Johnson – 54 caps
We're starting to develop a theory that Glen Johnson was actually a lacrosse player who stumbled onto a football pitch one day and just sort of went with it. Image Source: Twitter
CB – Phil Jagielka – 40 caps
It's not like Jagielka is bad or anything, but six whole appearances more than Michael Carrick? It's baffling considering the depth the Three Lions have had in terms of defenders over the last decade and a half. Image Source: Twitter
LB – Phil Neville – 59 caps
Phil just wasn't up to the standards that his older brother had set. Image Source: BBC
RM – Shaun Wright-Phillips – 36 caps
Every fibre of our being wanted SWP to succeed on the international stage, but aside from a few flurries here and there the guy never really made too much of an impact. Image Source: Twitter
CM – James Milner – 61 caps
Because of how durable James Milner has been over the years, the general opinion regarding his abilities has gone back and forth between "he's quality" and "he's overrated". We're starting to fall into the latter camp - especially after seeing the number 61. Image Source: Twitter
CM – Nicky Butt – 39 caps
Portugal have probably got bigger problems than England, when you see Luis Boa Morte in the picture. Image Source: Daily Mail
CM – Gareth Barry – 53 caps
Good old Gaz Baz has earned his place in the England set-up based on his domestic performances, but he's never really replicated that form in a consistent manner on the international stage. Shame. Image Source: Twitter
LM – Stewart Downing – 35 caps
Seriously. Image Source: Twitter
ST – Emile Heskey – 62 caps
On his day Emile was class, but that day came about once every two years. We'll never forget that stepover at the 2010 World Cup, though - revolutionary stuff. Image Source: Twitter
ST – Peter Crouch – 42 caps
If England played Jamaica every week, Crouch would be world-class. Image Source: Twitter
SEE ALSO: The England XI Southgate has to play this week
Michael Carrick has been an ever present for both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, and these statistics pretty much end the myth that United players get into the England team based on the fact they play for the Red Devils and nothing else.
And people wonder why the Three Lions aren’t very good…
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