Carragher: Why I Made My England Decision
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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 McLarenÂ’s list of centre-backs.
“I first thought about it (retiring) after the World Cup because I wondered how many chances I’d 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 CarragherÂ’s 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 can’t really argue with that because they’re top draw players,” Carragher told the Echo, “It’s just that from a purely personal point of view, it’s 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. I’m 29 now, and I have to accept that if I’m not a regular starter now, I don’t 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 it’s an absolute emergency-and by that I mean all available centre-halves are injured or there are suspensions-I probably won’t say no if I’m asked. I’m 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. -
U know why England failed so many times in major tournament ?
'Cos they kept playing average players ahead of Liverpool's most consistent player .
Carragher's timing on the resignation is spot-on .
It's time to focus on family and Liverpool .
If England don't appreciate him , it's England's lost !
He should have did that long time ago . -
I like that one !
He told Mclaren : " Emergency then u call me ! "
It's like telling him , don't waste my time on the bench !
Right ?
He is very right ! -
behind terry and ferdinand still abrely acceptable.
but behind ledley kign and woodgate? wtf.
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great move carra ... england's loss is our gain ... they don't know how to appreciate him anyway so don't waste time ... maybe stevie g should also consider retiring from internationals ... just look at the number of stars they have but still play like an ordinary team ...
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What Rafa said about Carragher's decision
Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez says Jamie CarragherÂ’s decision on his international future should be respected by the whole country.
Carragher will speak to Steve McClaren again before the next international with Germany on August 22.
“In any situation like this we need to think about what’s best for the player, the club and the country,” said Benitez, who today completed the £7.5 million sale of Craig Bellamy to West Ham.
“If the player is physically and mentally fit to play in every game, it’s naturally better for his career and the country or club he’s playing for.
“That’s what Carra is thinking about because I know he is someone who never gives less than 100 per cent.
“Everyone knows he is a fantastic professional who wants to perform at the very best level possible in every game he plays.
“We must all respect any decision he makes, because it is certain he is thinking about what’s good for everyone.” -
all i can say is he did the wise move!
england coach is a funny bias person who choose players from manure. it's like treating carragher like... only when those useless players kena injuried or suspended... carragher then will be recall.
england squad is doom squad, quit n concentrate on your club! -
wise choice but he shld hav done it earlier
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excellent decision by Carragher.
England will fall