RAFA: CARRA SHOULD BE ENGLAND REGULAR

Jimmy Rice 08 March 2007 Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez believes Jamie Carragher should be a regular in Steve McClaren's England side.

The centre-back has been a stand-out performer for the Reds in the last two weeks, most notably in helping knock Barcelona out of the Champions League. Such form is nothing new to Liverpool supporters – yet Carra has been unable to budge Rio Ferdinand or John Terry from the national side. "It surprises me that Jamie is not a regular in the England team," said Benitez. "It was an outstanding performance from Jamie. When defenders like Jamie have to play against world-class players like Ronaldinho, it is important that they do not make mistakes - and he didn't. "He is such a good defender against the very best players and, yes, it is a surprise that such a really good defender does not play every game for his country."