Liverpool fans dream of a team of Carraghers, and it’s easy to see why. Few wear their heart on their sleeve quite like the defender, and that level of passion and application marks him out as a true Kop favourite.

Not least when Carragher was outspoken with his view on playing for England. After all, Liverpool’s local fans don’t claim to be English, but Scouse.

“Defeats wearing an England shirt never hurt me in the same way as losing with my club,” he wrote in his autobiography. “I wasn’t uncaring or indifferent, I simply didn’t put England’s fortunes at the top of my priority list. Losing felt like a disappointment rather than a calamity.

“The Liver Bird mauled the Three Lions in the fight for my loyalties. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong, it’s just how it is.”

Goals for Carragher – well, in the opposing net at least – are rare, with only five in total. Having scored on his full debut against Aston Villa in January 1997, he netted just once in the next eight years in a 7-1 romp against Southampton.

Then came a strike at FBK Kaunas in a Champions League qualifier in July 2005 before further goals against Middlesbrough and Fulham. But it’s for keeping goals out than scoring them that Carragher has written his legend.

With the opening of his Cafe Sports England establishment, Carragher is already branching out beyond the realms of football and making a contribution to the city.

And it says much that the proceeds from his testimonial will go to charity, with Carragher having already pledged £25,000 to the Everton Foundation.

“I was an Everton fan as a kid so the two teams in my life are coming together for my testimonial which for me is fantastic,” he says.

As such a keen student of the game, it’s become almost taken as a given that Carragher will branch out into management when he calls time on his playing days.

“I think he’s got a few good years left playing yet,” adds Houllier. “But he’d be a good manager because he only thinks about the team. Team is first. He is prepared to make decisions and sacrifices for his side.”

But in any case, there are few plans for the player to hang up his boots just yet. At 636 games and counting, Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher is still going strong.