ROONEY: Barkley & Townsend? Carrick Was The Best Player On The Pitch By A Mile

 The Manchester United midfielder replaced Chris Smalling in the first half and played a key role as England battled back from a goal behind to claim a draw with Italy

England captain Wayne Rooney said Michael Carrick was the “best player on the pitch by a mile” in Tuesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Italy.

The Manchester United midfielder replaced Chris Smalling towards the end of the first half, with Roy Hodgson’s side a goal behind at the time courtesy of Graziano Pelle’s accurate headed finish.

Andros Townsend eventually struck the equaliser after the break but Rooney believes Carrick made the telling difference. He told ITV: “The best player on the pitch by a mile was Michael Carrick.

“He came on and dictated the game for us. You saw how much control we had after that so I think he was the big difference in the two teams second half.

“I think we deserved to win it in the end. We had the better chances. It was a game of two halves really. Italy were the better team in the first half, partly because of ourselves, we didn’t put enough pressure on the ball and we let them have it too easy.

“Second half we came out and dominated, created chances and could’ve won the game. Overall we’re pleased with a draw. It’s a good result, Italy away. It’s not a disastrous result and it keeps us on our unbeaten run since the summer. We’ve got to be happy after the first half.”

Andros Townsend added: “I was delighted with it [the equalising goal]. It was a difficult game. It was hard to break them down. They set-up very well with three at the back and the two wing backs were helping them. It was going to have to be a strike from 25 yards to get a goal today and thankfully it was me that got it.

“After we got the equaliser it was all us and we had two or three chances to get the winner but it wasn’t to be. It’s a good result against Italy on their own patch and it’s a good way to end the trip.

“The manager has stuck by me through the tough times. Every time he has picked me and shown loyalty I’ve repaid that faith. I’ve come on again and I’ve repaid that faith again and hopefully it can continue.”