Friday, May 14, 2010

Tommy Smith: Jamie Carragher Deserves To Be In England's 2010 World Cup Squad


I couldn’t be more delighted to see Jamie Carragher called up into the England World Cup squad. And the rest of the country should be celebrating with me too.

Jamie’s no big head, that’s for sure. But he is a great player full of self belief and confidence in his abilities and when ex-England boss Steve McLaren repeatedly snubbed him, Jamie’s self-respect and his desire to devote himself totally to Liverpool FC told him he should quit international football.

But now Fabio Capello has made it crystal clear he knows exactly how good a player he is and barring a cruel injury or a major U-turn from the England coach, I’m sure Anfield’s vice captain with be on that plane to South Africa now.

If there’s one thing the Italians can spot it is a top international quality defender. And that’s exactly what Jamie is.

In a dreadful season for Liverpool, he’s given everything he’s got – once again.

He’s a superb tackler, can head the ball well and isn’t afraid to get rid of it unceremoni- ously when required, rather than play fancy football in dangerous areas near his own goal.

His passing, long and short, is far better than he ever gets credit for and he’s also one of the best readers of the game I’ve ever seen, as well as one of the best footballers ever to have played for Liverpool.

On top of all that, plus his vast experience, Jamie is an extra captain on the pitch and can play right across the back four.

So to me, taking him to the South Africa is a no brainer and I’m made up he has jumped at the chance to get involved again.

I never made a final World Cup Squad – so I hope Jamie now savours every moment if he gets out there.

In fact, I remember being in Alf Ramsey’s initial 30 man squad for Mexico in 1970 – and only found out I hadn’t made the final cut when I walked into a shop and read it in the Echo!

It was a huge blow – but Shanks picked me up and told me we’d win far more at Anfield than England and Ramsey ever would.

Jamie’s been brilliant in a rotten season for the Reds. I’m chuffed for you, Jamie lad!

Pepe Reina deserves to be Spain’s number one

Another player who’s never been in any doubt that he was heading to South Africa is Pepe Reina.

But unless injury befalls Iker Casillas, it looks like Pepe will spend most of his time on the bench for Spain.

Casillas is a great keeper but I think he’s slipped from the standards he set earlier in his career, whereas Pepe just keeps getting better and better.

If he gets a chance, not only will he take it, but I believe he could hang on to the shirt.

Pepe, like Jamie Carragher, has been superb for Liverpool in this awful season and has stood out with his passion and commitment to the club.

He fully deserves his player of the season honour at Anfield.

On top of that, Pepe has now come out and told the owners to do one – and do it quickly – which is just what every Liverpool fan is demanding of the Americans.

That takes bottle for a player to say. But Pepe clearly loves the club and, rain or shine, is determined to speak his mind and commit his future to what will hopefully be brighter days ahead.

Like Jamie he too fully deserves to be out there on the world stage.

No comments: