England face Ecuador in their first knockout match of the World Cup Finals at the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion in Stüttgart on Sunday.

After the injury to Michael Owen, England head coach Sven Goran Eriksson is having to make some adjustments to his squad for the game against Ecuador on Sunday, with Tottenham’s Michael Carrick to start in a five-man midfield for The Three Lions.

This, along with Manchester United right-back Gary Neville’s injury mean that Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick has been given the nod to start the knockout match against Ecuador.

“I’m just looking forward to the game,” said the former West Ham star, who will be earning his seventh England cap on Sunday. “This is what you work towards your whole career, to play in a World Cup.”

England are expected to play a five-man midfield, with Carrick joining Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and captain David Beckham.

Rio Ferdinand is back to full-fitness after picking-up a slight injury against Sweden.

Owen Hargreaves is expected to deputise for Gary Neville in right-back, with Wayne Rooney playing a lone striker role in the match on Sunday.

Ecuador head coach Luis Suarez was upbeat, despite many people dismissing his side’s chances of continuing their World Cup run after the England match on Sunday,

“What we have done is not all, said Suarez. “There is more to come. The World Cup has not ended for Ecuador.

“There is no reason for us to feel beaten before the match. If we are going to lose, let it be during the match, not before."

The side will be boosted by the return of their two key strikers, LDU de Quito’s Agustin Delgado and Carlos Tenorio who plays for Al Sadd in Qatar were both rested when they lost 3-0 to Germany in the final match in Group A.

Ecuador coach Suarez is expected to go with the side that beat Poland and Costa Rica. Several players were rested in the defeat to Germany to avoid suspension because they had picked up yellow cards.

Captain Ivan Hurtado, fellow defender Neicer Reasco and midfielder Segundo Castillo should start the match.

“The team are happy about what they've done so far,” added Suarez.

“We have already earned respect. I hope we continue to make history.”

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