Liverpool Football Club News

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• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

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Rafa talks up Carragher

07 Mar 2007 - 15:56:59

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has called for Jamie Carragher to be given more chances at international level with England.

Carragher produced a man-of-the-match performance as the Reds dumped reigning European champions Barcelona out of the Champions League despite losing 1-0 in their last 16 second leg meeting at Anfield on Tuesday.

But despite being one of the first names on Benitez's team sheet at club level, Carragher has started just 18 England matches on his way to winning 32 international caps.

And in light of his immaculate display against Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi in the two legs against Barcelona, the Spaniard has called on England coach Steve McClaren to hand the versatile defender more opportunities.

"It surprises me that Jamie is not a regular in the England team," he said.

"I don't like praising just one player after a performance like that against Barcelona. Everyone contributed. The team, all of them, were giving something to the team in a brilliant night.

"But it was an astonishing performance from Jamie. When defenders like Jamie have to play against world-class players like Ronaldinho, it is important that they do not make mistakes - and he didn't.

"He is such a good defender against the very best players and, yes, it is a surprise that such a really good defender does not play every game for his country."