Jamie Carragher accepts he must bide his time for a chance to
play in the heart of England's defence.
The Liverpool stopper's outstanding form for his club will not
result in him playing in his favoured position for Steve McClaren's
men in upcoming internationals, with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand,
two of the world's best, ahead of him.
Carragher is expected to start against Israel in Saturday's Euro
2008 qualifier, but at left-back, due to Ashley Cole's suspension
and an injury to Wayne Bridge.
"I'd love to play at centre-half for England but John Terry and Rio
Ferdinand were probably two of our best players in the World Cup
last summer," he said.
"You can't really argue with that. For me, John Terry is the best
centre-back in the world. Over the last three or four years, I
wouldn't have anyone ahead of him.
"Then you've got Rio who was as good as anyone at the World Cup, a
£30million defender, so I am in no position to complain about not
playing at centre-back. You are talking about world-class
players.
"When I come away with England, hopefully I can learn off them. You
are always trying to improve."
Carragher insists he has no complaints about his lack of
opportunities at centre-back and is happy to play in any position
for his country.
He added: "It is just one of those things. I've still got 30 odd
caps for England and hopefully I can get a few more before my
England career finishes.
"Playing for England, you are always going to have competition. We
have some of the best players in the world. It's just unfortunate
they are all at centre-back!
"But when you are playing for England, you are delighted to play
anywhere - and if the manager thinks I can do that job at
full-back, then great."
