McClaren fails in Carragher bid
England coach Steve McClaren has failed in his attempt to persuade Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher not to retire from international football.
McClaren visited the 29-year-old defender at Liverpool's training ground to talk about his decision to quit.
But McClaren said: "I spoke to him. Unfortunately Jamie stayed with decision to not be involved with us. I'll never close the door."
Carragher has said he does not want to be a bit-part player for England.
The centre-half has been a key figure in the Liverpool side that has reached the Champions League final in two of the last three seasons.
But at international level he has found opportunities hard to come by, with skipper John Terry and Rio Ferdinand established as McClaren's first choice.
Carragher was omitted from England's last game, a Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia, and expressed his frustration at his place in the national team's pecking order.
But McClaren is keen to keep Carragher involved, especially as he faces a shortage of defenders for the approaching friendly against Germany.
Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are all expected to miss the encounter at Wembley.
Earlier Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "I was aware they had spoken but I am not aware of the outcome.
"It's something for the player to decide and you respect his decision.
"In such situations you always have to support your player and respect his decision.
"He is a great player and has never let his country down.
"But if this means I can use him more for Liverpool, then I am obviously pleased."
Before his visit to Liverpool's training ground, McClaren had said: "I can totally understand his thought process, I've 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."
If Carragher opts to retire from international football, McClaren said he might turn to Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.
England coach Steve McClaren has failed in his attempt to persuade Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher not to retire from international football.
McClaren visited the 29-year-old defender at Liverpool's training ground to talk about his decision to quit.
But McClaren said: "I spoke to him. Unfortunately Jamie stayed with decision to not be involved with us. I'll never close the door."
Carragher has said he does not want to be a bit-part player for England.
The centre-half has been a key figure in the Liverpool side that has reached the Champions League final in two of the last three seasons.
But at international level he has found opportunities hard to come by, with skipper John Terry and Rio Ferdinand established as McClaren's first choice.
Carragher was omitted from England's last game, a Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia, and expressed his frustration at his place in the national team's pecking order.
But McClaren is keen to keep Carragher involved, especially as he faces a shortage of defenders for the approaching friendly against Germany.
Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate are all expected to miss the encounter at Wembley.
Earlier Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "I was aware they had spoken but I am not aware of the outcome.
"It's something for the player to decide and you respect his decision.
"In such situations you always have to support your player and respect his decision.
"He is a great player and has never let his country down.
"But if this means I can use him more for Liverpool, then I am obviously pleased."
Before his visit to Liverpool's training ground, McClaren had said: "I can totally understand his thought process, I've 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."
If Carragher opts to retire from international football, McClaren said he might turn to Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.
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