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Page last updated at 22:52 GMT, Saturday, 3 July 2010 23:52 UK

Jamie Carragher says England comeback was a "one-off"

Jamie Carragher
Carragher first retired from international football in 2007

Jamie Carragher has described his international comeback as a "one-off" and says he plans to focus his energies on his club side Liverpool.

Carragher returned for his country in the 2010 World Cup, three years after calling time on his England career.

He played in two games in South Africa and defended England boss Fabio Capello over the team's poor showing.

"He certainly deserves another crack at the England job," the 32-year-old defender told Liverpool's website.

"Obviously I wasn't involved in the qualifying stages, but that went great. The World Cup hasn't gone as well - so maybe I'm the problem, not Capello!

"Bobby Robson went out on a high in 1990, but a few tournaments didn't go too well for him.

606: DEBATE

"That's part of the game and I am sure with the experience of this tournament, hopefully the lads will get to the next one and be a lot better for it.

"I don't think there are many managers out there with the record he has got."

The Liverpool vice-captain returned to the international set-up under Capello for a friendly against Mexico at Wembley in May.

Carragher replaced the injured Ledley King during England's opening World Cup group match against the United States and featured in the 0-0 draw with Algeria.

A booking picked up in that match ruled the Reds defender out of the final group match against Slovenia and the Algeria game proved to be his last in the campaign.

Now that Carragher has returned to Anfield, he has said that his main aim is to turn his attention to club matters under new manager Roy Hodgson.

"This was a one-off thing," Carragher added. "The manager said he had a few injuries and I came into the squad and helped.

"I was delighted with the opportunity to play in a World Cup and work with Capello but I have always said the most important thing for me is Liverpool Football Club.

"We have a new boss now in Roy Hodgson and I want to do everything I can to help him and help the club get back up where we belong."

Meanwhile, England manager Capello has said he is unsure about progress being made at international level unless some way is found to lessen the effects of draining club campaigns.

"If we arrive at the next tournament fresh, yes, we have a chance," he said. "If we arrive tired, no."

Capello added that longer rest time between the end of the season and competitive internationals might be an answer.

"We have to try and understand what happened but in my experience, it is not only the body that is tired, but also the mind," he said.

"The mind burns more energy than when you run.

"Possibly you need more time on holiday between the end of the Premier League and the finals.

"When Denmark won the European Championships in 1992, they were on the beach when they got told to play, although the pressure on Denmark is not the same as it is on England."

Capello did, however, concede that his pre-tournament plans - which included two altitude training camps in Austria and a friendlies prior to departure for South Africa - were excessive.

"Yes, I probably regret that now," he said. "You could change this in the future but it is too easy to say these things after the event."



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see also
Carragher admits vuvuzelas purchase
14 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Carragher confident about England defence
14 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Carragher backs Capello's methods
14 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Carragher delighted with crowd reaction
25 May 10 |  World Cup 2010
Carragher explains England decision
19 May 10 |  World Cup 2010
Lure of Capello tempted Carragher
19 May 10 |  World Cup 2010
McClaren fails in Carragher bid
15 Aug 07 |  Internationals
Carragher ponders England future
09 Jul 07 |  Internationals


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