Sven impressed by Carrick England showing

Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to see Michael Carrick mature into international football like his former team-mate Joe Cole.

Carrick and Cole are both graduates of the West Ham Academy and made their England debuts together against Mexico in May 2001.

Cole has since become a fixture in Eriksson's favourite starting team and the Swede hopes Carrick rises to the challenge in the same way after starting against Uruguay at Anfield.

Eriksson said: 'I was impressed with Carrick. I like him. He's getting better and better.

'When he started at Tottenham it wasn't only me having doubts because his club manager as well because he often started on the bench.'

Chelsea's Cole, 24, was the hero of the 2-1 against Uruguay, making the equaliser for Peter Crouch and scoring the winner himself in the last minute.

He has been earmarked as a rare talent from an early age but, in his current form, he could be one of the true stars of the World Cup.

Carrick said: 'Joe has come on in leaps and bounds since he played for West Ham and he's a big part of the England team now.'

Eriksson picked out Cole as England's best player, adding: 'I always hoped Joe Cole would make that extra step to be that mature football player, which I don't think he was a few years ago.'

Carrick's progress has been plagued by injuries and he has only five caps, compared to Cole's 30.

He has drifted in and out of the squad without imposing himself but the Tottenham midfielder feels positive after 90 minutes against the Uruguayans at Anfield.

Carrick, 24, said: 'The timing seems to be right. Everything has come together and on a personal level and I've been playing pretty well for Tottenham.

'It would mean everything to go to Germany. It's what you dream about.'

Carrick's trump card is his ability to sit in front of the defence and not surrender possession.

Eriksson wants this system up his sleeve ready to play against strong opposition or to defend a lead.

Ledley King was tried against Argentina but Carrick looked more comfortable, albeit against weaker opposition and on home soil.

Carrick said: 'Ledley does well in that midfield holding role.

'He hasn't played there much at Spurs recently but he's such a good player, he can adapt.

'I don't see it as a straight fight between the two of us but it's not for me to judge I suppose.

'I will just try and do my best and hope that's good enough.'