Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has explained why he decided
to quit international football.
Speaking to local paper the Liverpool Echo, the centre-back
explained that there were many factors that had to be considered
before making the decision. Pivotal though, was the disappointment
of not being further up the pecking order in England Manager Steve
McLarens list of centre-backs.
I first thought about it (retiring) after the World Cup because I
wondered how many chances Id get for England.
Then when Sol Campbell was out of the picture I thought I could
put pressure on Rio Ferdinand for the other centre-half position
alongside John Terry.
Given Carraghers consistently impressive form for Liverpool, it is
easy to understand his frustration at being left out of the set-up.
Players such as Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King have often been
given the nod by McLaren ahead of the experienced Carragher.
I cant really argue with that because theyre top draw players,
Carragher told the Echo, Its just that from a purely personal
point of view, its been disappointing because after some of my
performances for Liverpool I thought I deserved a chance.
Everyone can see that England are very strong in the central
defensive department at the moment. There are a lot of world-class
players there and most of them are younger than me, have their best
years ahead and will get better and better. Im 29 now, and I have
to accept that if Im not a regular starter now, I dont think I
ever will be.
But fans of the Liverpool legend may be happy to hear that
Carragher is reluctant to draw a definite line under his
international career: If its an absolute emergency-and by that I
mean all available centre-halves are injured or there are
suspensions-I probably wont say no if Im asked. Im not going to
leave England in the lurch.
Carragher played 27 times at Under 21 level with England eventually
becoming captain. He made his first senior squad appearance as a
sub on 28 April 1999 against Hungary, with his full England debut
coming against Holland in 2001. He played a total of 34 times for
the England senior squad.
