Carrick ready to stake claim

Similarly, with Owen and Wayne Rooney now the recognised starting strikers, only two will go from Crouch, Defoe, Smith and Andy Johnson.

Crouch, the 6ft 7in Southampton striker, did just enough on his debut to deserve another chance, though he provided little compelling evidence to support his case for serious World Cup consideration.

Carrick clearly made a good impression on Eriksson. "He and Jenas played well together," said the Swede. "Carrick could be a real alternative because he's so good on the ball and has a wide passing range."

The 23-year-old, who began his career at West Ham, is a realist. He knows that to win a place in Eriksson's starting 11 he would have to dislodge Frank Lampard or Steve Gerrard. Carrick said: "There is no denying there are world-class players in front of me but with a year still to go before the World Cup, I can't worry about it too much.

"It's going to be difficult but if I'm playing well enough next season then, hopefully, I'll get selected. It will be important to make a good start to the new season.

"The squad in America have not been England's strongest, so there is no reason for me to feel complacent. There's a lot for me to do still but I felt that last season was probably my most consistent. I've enjoyed the matches here and I'm satisfied things couldn't have gone much better."

Carrick responded positively to new Spurs coach Martin Jol and seemed to flourish when his area of influence was broadened to include defending.

"They gave me more responsibility and that has helped improve my game," said Carrick. "I've got to keep playing well for Spurs and then see what happens. If we don't qualify for Europe at Spurs next season it will be a massive disappointment. I am desperate to help the club achieve that goal and hopefully England recognition will follow."

Carrick had made just two brief substitute appearances before the withdrawal of more established midfield players gave him the chance to start both matches on this tour. He clearly benefited from playing alongside Joe Cole, once a West Ham team-mate.

Carrick favours the long, searching pass but Cole is the master of the dribble and short killer pass - and that was exactly how he helped the predatory Owen open the scoring in the 36th minute.

Cole's run and pass between defenders allowed Owen to sweep on to the ball and clip it beyond Farid Mondragon.

In the 44th minute, a quickly-taken free-kick by Crouch sent Owen bursting through again, with the same end result. But there was still time at the end of the half for Mario Yepes to head a corner past goalkeeper David James.

Owen completed his hat-trick with a superb near-post goal - David Beckham providing the cross - in the 58th minute but 20 minutes later Aldo Ramirez scored past England's hesitant substitute keeper Robert Green from close range.

Eriksson has suffered some ignominious moments in friendly matches but this entertaining, competitive clash was probably one of the most rewarding of his reign.

"It has been a good tour and I'm convinced this is the strongest, most experienced squad I've had," said Eriksson. "You don't win the big tournaments with a squad with an average age of 24. My squad are now experienced and clever. They are now the right age. If we qualify and the players are all fit, we can have a real go in Germany next summer."