Former Chelsea midfielder has stated that Manchester United star Michael Carrick will now have to be considered a key member of the England national side.

Carrick has never managed to establish himself as a regular for England despite excelling at club level for United and the midfielder was perhaps harshly overlooked by manager Roy Hodgson for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Since the debacle in Brazil, Hodgson has reintroduced Carrick into the fold for the Three Lions and the 33-year old played a pivotal role in the clashes against Lithuania and Italy recently.

While the jury may still be out on Carrick, former England midfielder Wilkins believes that the experienced United star should now be considered an integral part of Hodgson's plans.

Wilkins told talkSPORT: "I think Michael has become an essential and integral part of our side. From the professional eye, he is superb. He gives a serenity to the whole side and England looked a whole lot better with him sitting in there."