Michael Carrick is impressed by the atmosphere in the England camp as he looks to shine under Fabio Capello.
Midfielder salutes atmosphere ahead of Germany friendly
Michael Carrick admits there is a 'slightly different atmosphere' in the England camp as he looks to make his mark after a return to the international scene.
Manchester United midfielder Carrick, who has 14 caps to his name, is among the 23-man squad to face Germany in Berlin on Wednesday.
Carrick has not represented his country since they hosted the Germans at Wembley last year and is aware he must take this opportunity to impress manager Fabio Capello.
He said on
Sky Sports News: "Playing for England is the stuff of dreams. Germany v England is a massive game. One that I have grown up watching and always dreamt of being part of.
Focused
"Yes (it is an opportunity to impress). It has been a few months since my last call-up but I have always believed in myself.
"Now I am here I want to stay here and push for a place."
Carrick also explained that there is a positive feeling among the players after their impressive start to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
The 27-year-old continued: "Sometimes in football things happen. Sometimes things just gel and click. The atmosphere around the camp is very good and focused.
Tremendous
"We have always had world-class players in the squad and now we seem to be getting the best out of everyone.
"The manager obviously knows what he wants and how to go about getting it. It is a slightly different atmosphere. The camp is positive and it is a good place to be."
He added: "It has been a tremendous start for us but we are really focused on finishing the year strongly.
"We want to carry on the momentum, keep the confidence and the belief going."
