Michael Carrick returns to the dream factory where England stars are made.

Wallsend Boys Club has nurtured talents who have gone on to gain 163 England caps between them. 92 professionals, too. These places are vital for the game.

At 7.30 on Thursday evening, Michael Carrick stepped on to a small stage in a room full of love and pride. Carrick was back in his Wallsend Boys Club family, where his journey to West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United and England first began. As Carrick sat down to reflect on his outstanding career, the happy hubbub of the next generation could be heard outside, playing on the 3G pitch, dreaming of following this local hero.