Paul Scholes: It's amazing Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has so few caps for England

EXCLUSIVE: Carrick will be hoping to add to his collection during England's upcoming games

Michael Carrick wants one last hurrah at a major tournament with England (Getty Images)

I expect Michael Carrick to play for England against Lithuania tonight. He is back in favour for his club and it will probably follow that he plays for his country too. He should have played more for England than the 31 caps he has so far. It is incredible to think that he has one fewer than Danny Welbeck on 32.

I don’t think he has ever been given a proper run in the England team. As soon as the team has had a bad result, it is Michael who has paid the price. He made his debut in 2001 but he has played just one tournament game, against Ecuador in the 2006 World Cup finals. He should have played more at international level, and had he been Spanish or German he probably would have done.

Michael Carrick is mobbed by his Manchester United team-mates after scoring against former side Spurs (GETTY IMAGES)

It is not for nothing that Michael has been the linchpin for United for so long. He has just never had the faith of the England managers he has played under.