England manager Steve McClaren has confirmed that Jamie
Carragher will not be going back on his decision to quit the
national side.
Carragher decided earlier this summer to retire from international
football, having failed to ever become a regular for the Three
Lions.
McClaren was desperate to keep the versatile Liverpool star
available - but having spoken with him at length - he was unable to
convince Carragher to reverse his original decision.
Meeting
"I met Jamie on Monday and had a very good conversation but
unfortunately he's stayed with the decision to not be involved with
us," McClaren told the website.
"We respect that, Jamie has been a fantastic servant for
England.
"I won't close the door, who knows in the future."
Rooney blow
Looking ahead to England's friendly with Germany later this month,
McClaren - who names his squad this Friday - admitted losing Wayne
Rooney was a blow, but insists the squad can cope without
him.
"It's a blow because he was looking so fit and well in pre-season,
so obviously it's a big blow," he continued.
"He is an important player for England and I was disappointed to
get the phone call but by Monday morning I had to move on. We have
always had to do that in the past and we'll do it again.
"We had a positive summer against Albania, Brazil and Estonia (a
qualifier) where we gave fringe players a game, and we did that
without Wayne.
"We've still got Peter Crouch, Owen may be available and there is
also the likes of Alan Smith, Darren Bent, Andy Johnson, Jermain
Defoe and David Nugent, players like that who have played for
England and have proved that they can play at this level."
Owen and Beckham hope
McClaren is hopeful he will have Michael Owen to call on for the
game, adding: "I spoke to him on Tuesday, he was very buoyant, of
course he is frustrated to be injured.
"He's got a few more days' training, I think he plays in a friendly
behind closed doors today and at the weekend. There are a few of
those players (in the same situation)."
Likewise, it is also hoped former captain David Beckham will
link-up with the squad.
"We've got to assess it over the next few days. He'll be in the
squad, we want him to come over and play a part against Germany but
it all depends on what happens this evening (when Galaxy face DC
United in the SuperLiga).
"We'll be keeping in close contact with him and the Galaxy medical
staff to see his condition.
"If at all possible of course we'd like David to join us on
Monday."
McClaren refused to confirm whether the likes of Sol Campbell or
David James would be recalled after spending the past year in the
international wilderness, simply saying: "I'm not ruling out
anybody at the moment."
