CARRAGHER POISED TO ANSWER ENGLAND SOS
Posted 08/05/10 08:28
Jamie Carragher is on the verge of ending his international retirement to answer a desperate World Cup plea from Fabio Capello.
In an astonishing turnaround, it is understood that Carragher, who quit international football three years ago, has been persuaded to return following a series of talks with the England management.
'Carragher will be named on Tuesday in Capello's preliminary 30-man squad for the World Cup, having been talked out of retirement in a series of secret discussions with Franco Baldini, the England general manager and Capello's right-hand man,' reports The Times.
Carragher quit England due to his frustration at being a marginal squad figure and it would seem unlikely that he would be prepared to u-turn without receiving some sort of assurance that he would not be returning merely to make up the numbers.
'Carragher has already been assured that he would definitely be in Capello's final 23 for South Africa and could play a major part,' claims The Daily Mail.
'If Ferdinand continues to struggle with back and groin problems and Capello cannot be certain of having King available for every match, Carragher would be the obvious choice as partner to John Terry at the heart of his defence.'
Amid the shock at the news, there has scarcely been a mention of Carragher's patchy form this season, though the apparent desperation of Capello to persuade him to return does indicate just how serious are the concerns of Capello about the form and fitness of his leading centre-halves.
'John Terry and Matthew Upson will retain their places, though there is a certain irony in the appeal of Carragher's versatility given his preference for playing at centre-half. He has been employed at full-back and in defensive midfield for England in the past and, in the likely absence of Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott with foot and hamstring injuries respectively, he could potentially be utilised in either wide defensive role yet again,' says The Guardian.
Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka have impressed in recent weeks, though it is uncertain whether either has done enough to get into the squad that will play friendlies against Mexico and Japan this month before being slimmed down to 23.'
