Carrick, who is the only Manchester United player in Fabio Capello's squad after injuries ruled out Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves, concedes Ferguson has "his own agenda" when it comes to internationals.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez no doubt has a similar opinion to Ferguson, especially as captain Steven Gerrard was forced to make a 400-mile round-trip to confirm a groin injury.

In addition, Arsene Wenger and Martin O'Neill have spoken out against the concept of international friendlies.

Carrick understands their view but, presented with an opportunity to represent England for a 15th time against England's old rivals and the country he made his last appearance against in August 2007, the Wallsend-born midfielder does not share it.

"Friendlies are not meaningless," argued the 27-year-old. "To play for your country is a massive honour. Germany versus England at any level is a huge game.

"I certainly do not regard it as a hindrance.

"But I accept the manager (Ferguson) does not really look at it that way. He has his own agenda and there are things to be won at domestic level.

"But, as players, you have to put that to one side until Thursday morning."

Carrick was at least able to reject the oft-repeated theory that Ferguson pressurises his players to withdraw from games.

"He has never put me under pressure not to play in a friendly," he added.

Not that Carrick would listen anyway this week.

There is no obvious reason why he has been overlooked by both Capello and Steve McClaren before that for so long.

He might have been involved against the Czech Republic at the start of the season had he not suffered an ankle injury in United's opening Premier League game against Newcastle.

But there have been times when Carrick was fully fit and raring to go, only to find himself omitted.

"I don't look into the past too much so I never got too concerned about falling off anyone's radar," he said.

"I always believed in myself and knew if I was playing well enough and doing what I am good at I would get the opportunity again.

"It's not really for me to say why I didn't get picked. I just want to look ahead and try and be a part of something that can be big and special."

That is how Carrick feels about England's prospects under Capello, a man of whom he has no personal experience but has heard plenty from Ferdinand and Rooney.

The reality has matched the hype from Carrick's first few hours in Capello's company and even in what amounts to a shadow squad, there is a buzz in the camp.

"You are judged on results and the start we have had to the group has been brilliant," he said.

"It gives us a great opportunity not only to qualify, but to generate momentum and a positive vibe that will stand us in good stead for the future."

Having worn Roy Keane's old number 16 shirt from the day he arrived at Old Trafford, Carrick is not likely to be fazed by the absence of Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who has a rib injury.

The former West Ham man is rated as a more obvious choice than his old Upton Park team-mate Jimmy Bullard or Scott Parker to figure in England's first encounter with a unified Germany in Berlin since the infamous meeting in 1938, when the England players produced 'Heil Hitler' salutes before kick-off.

At least there will be no politics to take the game hostage this time round, with skipper John Terry given clearance to play after a scan on his foot injury confirmed he had suffered no major damage at West Brom.

With Terry, David James, Gareth Barry and Theo Walcott available, England at least have a semblance of Capello's preferred team, with further experience in the likes of Wayne Bridge, Carrick and Peter Crouch to help youngsters such as Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Carrick admits he cannot wait for the opportunity to be a regular for England, despite the competing claims of Gerrard and Lampard.

"I'm desperate to be part of the England squad," he said. "I'm not sure midfield is the hardest area to get into because we have talented players throughout the squad.

"We do have world-class players in midfield but I just see it as a huge challenge.

"Hopefully the competition for places will bring on everybody's game."