'LAST CHANCE SALOON FOR CARRA' by jack johnson

Three years after throwing the toys out his international pram, Jamie Carragher looks set to make a return to the national team after being named in Fabio Capello’s provisional 30-man squad for South Africa. The Italian clearly hadn’t been paying attention to ‘World Cup Scouting’, Lee Dixon’s regular feature on the BBC website. The Liverpudlian didn’t even get a mention.

This is the first time since his coronation in January 2008 that Capello’s selection has raised a few eyebrows - before they used to be about as predictable as a David Pleat gaff on Champions League night. He ignored calls for the return of Michael Owen, explaining that he’d only pick the very best players that happen to be in form. He also acted ruthlessly to strip John Terry of his England captaincy in the New Year, following the widely publicised allegations surrounding his private life. So it was clear Fabio was his own man - he wouldn’t be taking any shit. But with England only days away from their most important tournament for years, the Italian has persuaded Jamie Carragher - a player renowned for turning his back on the national team - to come out of international retirement. Fabio, un explanation per favoure?

His last appearance for England came in the exhibition match against Brazil at the new Wembley in 2007. That day the versatile Liverpool defender deputised at right back, in place of the injured Gary Neville. With Kaka and co in their usual tormenting form, it proved a difficult day at the office for the England back four. It was probably then that the penny dropped. Though not usually considered a first team regular since his debut in 1999, he’d always been there or thereabouts - on call, so to speak - but that wasn’t enough. So he asked Steve McLaren not to be considered in future. His international career, it seemed, had ended with a whimper. Well, it had, until earlier this week.

Taking into account England’s impressive qualifying campaign, it’s unlikely that the Liverpool defender is going to see much action – If everyone is fit. So it seems, on the face of it, a strange decision by Carragher. Nothing really has changed since 2007, apart from maybe the kit. For Cappello though, it’s beginning to look like a masterstroke. With question marks over the fitness of both Terry and Ferdinand going into the Finals, not to mention the lack of strength and depth in the full back areas, Jamie Carragher could be exactly what the squad needs. He’s played in Champions League and UEFA Cup finals, won virtually all the domestics honours in England and amassed over 600 appearances for Liverpool. Let’s be honest, he’s a decent player to have on your bench.

The biggest battle could perhaps be with the England fans themselves. Both Capello and Carragher have got to win over the hearts and minds of the people, and that’s going to take some doing. To many, this treasonous act of turning down your country is unforgivable, sacrilege of the highest order. But surely if Carragher had refused Cappello’s pleas again, given England’s potential injury crisis, that would have made him even more unpopular? I think then even Mrs Carragher might have been a bit pissed off.