When Fabio Capello named his final England squad for the World Cup earlier this month, it seemed that Jamie Carragher would be travelling as back up to his Liverpool team mate Glen Johnson, providing cover at right back. However, with Ledley King picking up an injury against USA, Carragher has found himself thrust into first team action, playing the second half in his preferred position of central defence.
Now, with King ruled out of England’s remaining two group games, it remains to be seen if Capello will stick with Carragher, or opt for one of either Matthew Upson or Michael Dawson. Carragher struggled at times against the pace of Jozy Altidore, who very nearly made him pay, when after bursting past the Liverpool defender, saw his shot tipped onto the post by Robert Green. Upson would’ve been disappointed not to come on himself, having performed solidly throughout the qualifying campaign in the absence of Rio Ferdinand.
Signs of Carragher’s age have started to show in recent years. He has never been very quick, but was able to compensate for that with astute tactical positioning. However, he has, like most Liverpool players over the past season, struggled for form, and looked very uncomfortable against the Americans. With Carragher alongside John Terry, it is a centre back pairing devoid of pace, and with further uncertainty over who will play in goal, it is a very unsettled defence.
Carragher received criticism for retiring from international football, which some saw as turning his back on his country. It was a similar situation when he was selected in the squad, as it seemed like he didn’t deserve to be there, having not taken part in qualifying. But Fabio Capello is one of the world’s best managers, and if he deems Carragher good enough for inlcusion, then that he is.
By bringing Carragher on against USA, it seems that Capello has indicated the Liverpool man is his preferred choice in the absence of King. But the Liverpool man’s nervy performance may give the England boss something to think about. However, England’s next opponents Algeria should not provide as stern a test as the Americans, and the game provides a perfect opportunity for Carragher to recapture his form, and show the critics why he was selected.
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Football FanCast writer Oscar Pye-Jeary documents his time in South Africa following England in the 2010 World Cup. (England v USA).
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Carra will be good/excellent against the Algerias&Slovenias, it is the Spains of this world where I think his lack of pace will, most likely by cruelly exposed….
He’s bigger stones than any of the rest!!!