22.05.2005 - England boss praises 'excellent' Carra

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Jamie Carragher has been one of the most improved players in the country according to England head coach Sven Goran Eriksson, who believes the Reds defender will be one of the key players in Wednesday night's Champions League final.

Carragher has enjoyed his best ever season at Anfield, and his and Liverpool's final game of the season will see him come face to face with Andrei Shevchenko, widely regarded as the best striker in the world.

"Carragher will be very important. He and Hyypia have defended extremely well this season and, of course, they will have to do it against Shevchenko and Crespo," said Eriksson, who also spoke of the improvement Carragher has made during the season.

He added: "I really believe that Carragher and Joe Cole are the two England players who have made the most progress this season. They have been excellent."

"I remember when Carragher played left-back. He always did a good job but wasn't really top level. Now he's one of our best central defenders. He has developed a lot."

Carragher has been a regular in Eriksson's England squads this year, gaining an additional five caps, and he will be hoping to now push for a more regular starting place in England's defence ahead of next year's World Cup.