The time is right to quit England, says Carragher

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The 29-year-old's move was prompted by him being omitted in favour of Ledley King in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.

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Quitting: Carragher calls time on his England career

"I'm 29 now, and I have to accept if I'm not a regular starter now, I don't think I ever will be," Carragher told the Liverpool Echo.

Carragher admits he is no longer willing to be a squad player.

He said: "Playing the odd game here and there is not enough. Four or five years ago I was happy to have that role but not now.

"Some of the younger defenders deserve their chance, like Joleon Lescott at Everton, or Stephen Taylor from Newcastle."

Carragher added: "I want to stress this has nothing to do with Steve McClaren.

"It wouldn't have mattered who was the England manager, I've been thinking about this for a while."

Carragher has left the door slightly ajar as well. "If it is an absolute emergency, I probably won't say no if I'm asked," he said.

Carragher won the first of his 34 caps in 1999 when he came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Hungary.

He was previously captain of the Under-21 side after signing pro forms at Anfield in 1996.

Carragher helped Liverpool win the 2005 Champions League and was part of the team that went down to AC Milan in Europe's premier club competition last season.

However he has never enjoyed the acclaim for his country that he has had at club level.