Carragher cool on England return

Carragher has 34 England caps

Jamie Carragher insists he will not reverse his decision to quit international football despite Fabio Capello's appointment as England boss.

The Liverpool defender told ex-England manager Steve McClaren not to select him after becoming disillusioned with a lack of opportunities at centre-back.

Asked if he might make an international comeback, the 29-year-old Carragher told Liverpool TV: "I don't think so.

"I'm happy with the way things are now. I cannot see that changing."

Reports suggested new boss Capello would attempt to persuade Carragher to come out of international retirement.

That talk intensified when it emerged England captain John Terry could possibly miss Capello's first game in charge, a friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on 6 February.

The Chelsea centre-half broke three bones in his right foot during his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

However, Carragher appears determined to stay retired as far as England is concerned, preferring instead to focus on his career with Liverpool and spend more time with his family.

606: DEBATE Terry ain't good enough to get in the team. If England could get Ledley King fit, i'd have him and Ferdinand as the two centre backs H-T

Carragher made his England debut as a substitute against Hungary on 28 April 1999 and has won a total of 34 caps.

The last of those came on 1 June 2007, when England drew 1-1 against Brazil at the new Wembley.

He eventually chose to turn his back on the national team after finding himself below Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King in the pecking order.

McClaren made an attempt to convince Carragher to change his mind but he refused.

Carragher's struggles for his country are in contrast to his exploits for Liverpool.

He is a regular under Reds manager Rafael Benitez and has become a firm favourite with his fans thanks to his consistent good form and whole-hearted commitment.