David Platt's side are now well poised to book their place in the Euro Under-21 finals after coming back from two goals down in Utrecht, with the second leg scheduled for Derby County's Pride Park next Tuesday (November 13).
In fact, the Hammers' pair almost conjured a dramatic winner between them in time added on at the end of the second half.
Carrick underlined his quality with an exquisite chip over the Dutch defence which set club-mate Defoe clean through - but the teenage No.10's first touch was too firm and the ball ran agonisingly through to the Holland keeper.
Carrick, wearing the number four shirt, enjoyed much possession in the centre of midfield and was often at the heart of England's forward forays, while the lively Defoe battled hard for every ball and caused the Dutch defenders more than a few anxious moments.
After going two down in the first half, England hit back when Fulham's Sean Davis headed home Carrick's outswinging free-kick just before half-time, before Blackburn Rovers winger David Dunn - the England skipper - capped a fine performance with a brilliant equaliser at the end of a dazzling solo run as the young Lions stepped up a gear in the second half.