Carrick, 33, is set to make his first international appearance since 2013 after forcing his way back from injury and into the Manchester United side.
The former Tottenham player is one of the oldest members of Roy Hodgson's squad, alongside experienced captain Wayne Rooney and centre-half Gary Cahill (both 29).
And Merson, who played 21 times for England in the 1990s, is concerned Hodgson could become over reliant on his veteran midfielder.
"I like Michael Carrick," Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column. "He is a good player and very important for United, but he is 33, so he shouldn’t be that important for England, let’s be honest.
"That’s not disrespectful, but I’m thinking if he is 33 and England are relying on him, where are we going?
"This is what worries me, when are we going to start playing the youngsters, get them all together as a group and do what Spain and Germany have done. It’s proven, they have done it, so why can’t we?"
Kane the real deal, say Cahill and Carrick [AMBIENT]
Hodgson is expected to field 21-year-old Harry Kane up front for England against Lithuania on Friday, with Raheem Sterling (20) also likely to start.
Carrick himself discussed his England future yesterday, saying: "I am enjoying my football.
"You get to a certain age and you don't know how long you have left.
"I feel great at the moment and have certainly got another year in me. It is special to be involved [in the England team].
"I love seeing the younger lads coming into the squad and performing with an enthusiasm and energy. There is a good feeling around."
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