England manager Steve McClaren has confirmed that Jamie Carragher will not be going back on his decision to quit the national side.Carragher decided earlier this summer to retire from international football, having failed to ever become a regular for the Three Lions.
McClaren was desperate to keep the versatile Liverpool star available - but having spoken with him at length - he was unable to convince Carragher to reverse his original decision.
Meeting"I met Jamie on Monday and had a very good conversation but unfortunately he's stayed with the decision to not be involved with us," McClaren told the website.
"We respect that, Jamie has been a fantastic servant for England.
"I won't close the door, who knows in the future."
Rooney blowLooking ahead to England's friendly with Germany later this month, McClaren - who names his squad this Friday - admitted losing Wayne Rooney was a blow, but insists the squad can cope without him.
"It's a blow because he was looking so fit and well in pre-season, so obviously it's a big blow," he continued.
"He is an important player for England and I was disappointed to get the phone call but by Monday morning I had to move on. We have always had to do that in the past and we'll do it again.
"We had a positive summer against Albania, Brazil and Estonia (a qualifier) where we gave fringe players a game, and we did that without Wayne.
"We've still got Peter Crouch, Owen may be available and there is also the likes of Alan Smith, Darren Bent, Andy Johnson, Jermain Defoe and David Nugent, players like that who have played for England and have proved that they can play at this level."
Owen and Beckham hopeMcClaren is hopeful he will have Michael Owen to call on for the game, adding: "I spoke to him on Tuesday, he was very buoyant, of course he is frustrated to be injured.
"He's got a few more days' training, I think he plays in a friendly behind closed doors today and at the weekend. There are a few of those players (in the same situation)."
Likewise, it is also hoped former captain David Beckham will link-up with the squad.
"We've got to assess it over the next few days. He'll be in the squad, we want him to come over and play a part against Germany but it all depends on what happens this evening (when Galaxy face DC United in the SuperLiga).
"We'll be keeping in close contact with him and the Galaxy medical staff to see his condition.
"If at all possible of course we'd like David to join us on Monday."
McClaren refused to confirm whether the likes of Sol Campbell or David James would be recalled after spending the past year in the international wilderness, simply saying: "I'm not ruling out anybody at the moment."
