By Chris Hatherall. Friday, 02 September 2005.
Jamie Carragher says he is determined to make a big impact if he is picked to face Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Liverpool centre-back is in the form of his life and was short-listed by UEFA for the title of best defender in last year’s Champions League.
He missed out to England teammate John Terry for that accolade, but with Terry injured Carragher has a chance to shine for England in Cardiff this weekend. And it is an opportunity he doesn’t want to waste.
He said: "I don’t class myself as a regular England player, but over the last 12 months I’ve maybe pushed myself a little closer. I wouldn’t say to the team, but maybe I’ve given myself a chance to be a regular in the squad and hopefully if there’s a couple of injuries I’ll get in the team.
"So every chance I get has got to be taken and, unfortunately, the way the result went in Denmark, I didn’t take it that time. So when I get another chance I’ve got to take it. I can’t be blaze about internationals because I’m not good enough to walk into the team.
"You don’t get too many chances for England unless you’re a superstar. There are certain players that you know are going to play they’re that good. But I’m not one of them, so if I ever do get a chance it’s important I take it."
Carragher’s modesty is endearing, but anyone who watched him play last season will know he is now one of the best defenders in Europe - and one of the most reliable men in the business. So now he has a chance to take his career a step further.
He said: "I haven’t had a decent run for England yet. That’s not a criticism of anyone, there’s a lot of good players ahead of me. But it’s difficult to be with England when you play the odd game now and again.
"I was speaking to Rio and I was asking him what he does at Man United, just little tactical things, especially at the back where you are playing as a unit, and doing certain things I do for Liverpool like pushing out or dropping off.
"That’s when you need a run of games to iron those little things out. If I get that run I’m sure I’ll do a lot better for England because I’ve not really grabbed my England career with both hands, even when I’ve had a little chance. Hopefully this time, if I’m picked, I can do that."