Michael Carrick believes that England's current strength in depth in the midfield area is the greatest he has ever known.

Carrick said that he was hopeful of making the World Cup squad for next summer's tournament in Brazil, but acknowledged that the Three Lions have plenty of competition in his position.

"I think it is the strongest midfield I have known, with the depth of it," the Manchester United man told The Mirror.

"Obviously it is the pinnacle to go [to Brazil], but there is a lot of football to be played and the competition in midfield is tough enough.

"A World Cup in Brazil has a nice flavour about it. It has a nice ring to it. Obviously Brazil over the years have been at the top of world football – the way they play, the way they live their lives in many ways. It is a bit of a celebration."

Roy Hodgson's side qualified for Brazil by beating Poland 2-0 on Tuesday.