Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could play at centre-half for England in their World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

Carrick has played at centre-back for his club three times this season and England believe the limitations of San Marino, the world's lowest-ranked team alongside Bhutan and the Turks & Caicos Islands, mean he would cope with the change in position.

"I have seen United play Michael Carrick as a centre-half, so there are different options," said England's Frank Lampard yesterday.