Michael Carrick: Manchester United midfielder admits he faces battle to make England's Euro 2016 squad

The 34-year-old was left out of Roy Hodgson's squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland

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Michael Carrick has admitted he faces a battle to win a place in England’s Euro 2016 squad after being overlooked by Roy Hodgson for the forthcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland.

The Manchester United midfielder, who suffered an ankle ligament injury on his last appearance for England against Spain in Alicante last November, has failed to earn selection for this week’s get-together, with Hodgson choosing to assess the credentials of Tottenham’s Eric Dier and Leicester City’s Danny Drinkwater in the defensive midfield role.

And after speaking to Hodgson prior to the announcement of the squad last week, Carrick admits that, while he retains hope of a place in the final squad for France, he must now convince the England manager to select him ahead of younger contenders.

“I spoke to Roy Hodgson and it’s fair enough,” Carrick said. “He gave me his reasons and stuff and what he wanted to do, so that is fine.

“I have a few days off now, so I will go and have a rest, have a break and take the family away, which will be nice, before coming back for the run in.

“But it’s the same for everyone [not in the squad]. A lot can change between now and the summer.

“There are some big games and you have got to be consistent, so that is how it goes.”

Hodgson, meanwhile, has drafted Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton into his squad following the withdrawal of Joe Hart due to a calf strain. Raheem Sterling, the Manchester City winger, has also pulled out, with a groin injury.

"Tom has been with us on several occasions and I am welcoming him back into the fold," said Hodgson.

"Obviously it's very disappointing for Joe and Raheem to suffer injuries which will rule them out of our games against Germany and Holland.

"They are important players in our squad and I wish them a speedy recovery."

Hart’s withdrawal, coupled with Wayne Rooney’s absence with a knee ligament injury, has left Hodgson without his captain and vice-captain for Saturday’s fixture in Berlin and the Wembley encounter with Holland next Tuesday.

Gary Cahill, the Chelsea defender, is expected to be handed the captain’s armband if fit for selection.