Source: Liverpool_Echo
TOMMY SMITH: Liverpool FC's Jamie Carragher deserves to be in England's 2010 World Cup squad
Jamie Carragher in training with England (158)[LNB]I COULDN'T be more delighted to see Jamie Carragher called up into the England World Cup squad. And the rest of the country should be celebrating with me too.[LNB]Jamie's no big head, that's for sure. But he is a great player full of self belief and confidence in his abilities and when ex-England boss Steve McLaren repeatedly snubbed him, Jamie's self-respect and his desire to devote himself totally to Liverpool FC told him he should quit international football.[LNB]But now Fabio Capello has made it crystal clear he knows exactly how good a player he is and barring a cruel injury or a major U-turn from the England coach, I'm sure Anfield's vice captain with be on that plane to South Africa now.[LNB]If there's one thing the Italians can spot it is a top international quality defender. And that's exactly what Jamie is.[LNB]In a dreadful season for Liverpool, he's given everything he's got - once again.[LNB]He's a superb tackler, can head the ball well and isn't afraid to get rid of it unceremoni- ously when required, rather than play fancy football in dangerous areas near his own goal.[LNB]His passing, long and short, is far better than he ever gets credit for and he's also one of the best readers of the game I've ever seen, as well as one of the best footballers ever to have played for Liverpool.[LNB]On top of all that, plus his vast experience, Jamie is an extra captain on the pitch and can play right across the back four.[LNB]So to me, taking him to the South Africa is a no brainer -and I'm made up he has jumped at the chance to get involved again.
