WORLD CUP 2010: Jamie Carragher insists he's the man to step in for injured England defender Ledley King

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 10:01 EST, 14 June 2010

Jamie Carragher is ready to partner John Terry at the heart of England's defence in the absence of the injured Ledley King.

England boss Fabio Capello looks set to turn to the veteran Liverpool defender for Friday's match against Algeria, after he replaced King at half-time of the 1-1 draw with the United States.

King suffered a groin injury in the opener against the USA and it is unclear how long he will be sidelined.

Carragher, who joined England's World Cup squad after Capello lured him out of international retirement, believes he can form a solid defensive partnership with Terry if he is given the chance.

'Yes, but if I'm given the opportunity. Time will tell, we'll be able to assess after the performances,' he said.

'You have got to be confident with the ability both players have got.'

Carragher was a part of the England World Cup squad that reached the quarter-finals in Germany four years ago and he believes that experience will stand him in good stead.

'I'm sure that will help it is always a big thing in football, experience,' he added.

'A lot of experienced players in the squad have been to World Cups before. I don't think the squad has changed that much from four years ago. Hopefully (we can) build on the experience from then and go one better.'

Capello has come in for criticism for opting not to tell his players who would be staring the match against the USA until hours before kick-off.

Carragher defended his manager, however, saying it was usual in club football for players not to know the starting line-up until just before kick-off.

'I've played for Liverpool for 12-14 years and the manager always tells us the team two hours before the game,' he said.

'It's no different. I'm not sure what other teams do, I've never known anything different.'

Carragher also said he had expected goalkeeper Robert Green to be named between the posts and rubbished claims a lack of preparation may have been a contributing factor for the howler that gifted Clint Dempsey an equaliser.

'Before the game if you asked me I would have said Rob Green is playing. I think he's played nearly every international running in,' he added.

'For me I always thought Robert Green was going to start because he was always the first-choice pick.

'I'm not sure what he'll do in the next game bit I was always sure if I was going to play in the game that Rob Green would be behind me.

'I've seen him this morning and he looks fine.'

Carragher was also confident Capello would ride out the rising criticism surrounding the Italian.

He added: 'I'm sure Fabio Capello will be fine. He's been manager of Real Madrid and AC Milan.

'I know we talk about the pressure of managing England but speaking to some of the Spanish players I think Real Madrid is another topic all together. I'm sure he'll be fine.'