Thursday, August 16, 2007

Carragher Stands By Quit Decision

England manager Steve McLaren has said that Jamie Carragher has stood by his decision to snub the national team.

Liverpool defender Carragher told McLaren last month that his patience has run out after years on the fringe of the England team.

Carragher, regarded by many in the game as one of the best central defenders in the world, has struggled to hold down a regular place in the national side, prompting his decision to turn his back on England and concentrate on his club game.

England boss McLaren has admitted that he has approached Carragher ahead of the fixture against Germany later this month, however the defender has stood by his decision.

"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 Sky Sports.

"We respect that, Jamie has been a fantastic servant for England.

"I won't close the door, who knows in the future."

Mclaren was dealt another blow at the weekend, loosing Wayne Rooney for up to two months with a foot injury, meaning the striker will miss several key Euro 2008 qualifiers.

"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."

taken from goal.com

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