Time is right to quit - Carragher

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

"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.

He added: "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.