McClaren sings Carragher's praises

12 April 2012

England manager Steve McClaren believes every team could do with an unsung hero like Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

Carragher has been in outstanding form recently and, although he has been operating in central defence for his club, seems set to win the battle with Phil Neville to fill the vacant left-back role when England tackle Israel in Tel Aviv next Saturday.

"Jamie is one of those unsung heroes every team needs," said McClaren after naming his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier. "He is very professional and very conscientious, someone who quietly gets on with his job and is probably only missed when he is not in the side."

Although Carragher has won 32 caps for his country, he has rarely been a regular starter with John Terry and Rio Ferdinand established as the first-choice combination at the heart of England's defence.

However, having watched most of his recent performances - particularly the 29-year-old's superb displays against Manchester United and Barcelona - McClaren would have no hesitation in giving Carragher the responsibility of replacing the suspended Ashley Cole.

McClaren added: "His performances against Manchester United and Barcelona were fantastic and I am really delighted with his form."

As expected, McClaren has omitted Joey Barton, Gareth Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips, who all featured against Spain.

The England coach is facing a worrying few days, though, with 13 of his party due to be involved in FA Cup quarter-final replays on Monday, threatening an injury nightmare which could completely wreck his planning for the game.

At least Owen Hargreaves is available for the first time since September after recovering from his broken leg.

The Manchester United target is a certain starter as McClaren looks to get the best of out more attack-minded midfield duo Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to rebuild a qualifying campaign which has seen England slump to third in Group E.

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