Michael Carrick, the Manchester United midfielder, says England's friendly against Germany is still important, despite claims that the match is an unwelcome fixture in an already packed schedule.

Fabio Capello's side are not due to resume their qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010 until April 1 when they host Ukraine at Wembley.

But Carrick, whose last England appearance came against Germany in August 2007, says he is eager to seize his chance to impress. "I'm playing for England and this is the stuff of dreams," he said. "Germany versus England is a massive game. It's not a hindrance at all. I'm here and I want to play.

"The club versus country thing always pops up but as players we don't get involved in that. We want to be part of the England team."

With Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard out, Carrick is the only Manchester United representative in the squad. "Training this morning was really sharp and bright," he said. "It's good to be back. Once I am here I want to stay here and push for a starting place."

Meanwhile, recalled striker Darren Bent believes England's superb start to their World Cup qualifying campaign means the pressure is off the team ahead of Wednesday's game. "Because of how the boys have done in qualifying the pressure is off," he said. "We're just going out there to impress."

Bent, who has earned a recall after scoring seven league goals for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season, added that Capello has brought a new level of professionalism to England training sessions. "It's not too different to what it used to be, but the training is more intense and perhaps more professional," he said. "A lot of the players have told me training is a lot harder - more like club football. The training has been hard and up to scratch."

England are on a four-match winning streak under Capello. They have played Germany just once since the memorable 5-1 victory in Munich in 2001, with Germany winning 2-1 at Wembley in 2007.