The Liverpool centre-back is expected to line up for the Three Lions against Holland on Wednesday, proving the incredible strength in depth in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad.

England are without Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ledley King, Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate but can still call on the quality of Carragher and Manchester United star Wes Brown to play at the back.

Both those players have a wealth of experience in Europe and are still in the race for the Champions League this season. So no wonder Carragher is excited by England’s prospects.

He said: "I’m really looking forward to the game. You don’t want to see people get injured, but it gives you a chance. We have a lot of good centre-backs in England, probably more than in Italy. In fact I don’t think there’s a country in the world that can match us for centre-backs.

"But I’m not including myself in that. Look at our top four or five players, they are top class. Italy have always been the ones renowned for top defenders but I think we can match them if not better them in terms of quality now.

"Hopefully I can come in and do a good job because this is what friendlies are for, to give people a chance. Some of the top players aren’t here, so hopefully some of us can shine."

Carragher has been a stalwart for England over the years, filling in at centre-back, full-back and in midfield whenever necessary. His versatility is crucial to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s plans, but these days he has found a more permanent role as a centre-half at Anfield.

He said: "I’m enjoying it, but it is up to the manager where I play and that goes for Liverpool as well. I’m dead happy to play at full-back or centre-back, you always get a buzz when you are in the England squad. I realise the competition is very strong and players are deservedly ahead of me. I would love to stay in the squad, but I want to push for a starting place as well."

There is no doubt that Carragher’s exemplary, uncomplaining attitude has won him admiration in the England camp, and he could be joined on Wednesday by United’s Wes Brown who has forced his way back into the fold after a string of injury problems.

Carragher said: "Hopefully we’ll work well together. Wes has got great pace, it’s one of his great attributes and he is very aggressive.

"He’s unfortunate at United because they are so strong defensively and he has to fight for his club. But I’ve played with him a few times in the Under-21s under Peter Taylor and I don’t think we lost."

If Carragher and Brown can continue that defensive record against Holland it will leaver Head Coach Eriksson with an even bigger selection headache in defence. But it’s one that every other country in the world will envy.