McClaren trying to persuade Carragher into England re-think

Aug 7 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

Jamie Carragher, of Liverpool FC, celebrates _158

ENGLAND manager Steve McClaren is hoping to talk Jamie Carragher into shelving his plans for international retirement.

The Liverpool defender stunned McClaren by announcing he was considering quitting the England scene this summer after being constantly overlooked for a starting place in the centre of defence.

But with skipper John Terry and Tottenham’s Ledley King already out of this month’s friendly with Germany, McClaren admitted he is in contact with Carragher twice about his international situation.

“Jamie Carragher is a very important player for England and a very important member of the squad,” said McClaren.

“There is no way I want to lose him and keeping Jamie involved is my main aim at present.

“I can totally understand his thought process. I have every sympathy with players who want to play and feel they should.

“In a way, he has been quite unfortunate. There are players in every squad who can be effective in many positions, maybe sometimes to their detriment.

“I have a couple of conversations with Jamie already and I will have another one with him next week.

“Hopefully the situation can be resolved because Jamie Carragher has been a great servant to England over many years and I want that to continue.”

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