England boss Steve McClaren is sending an SOS to Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

The Daily Mail says McClaren will try to persuade Carragher to come out of international retirement after John Terry was last night ruled out for the first month of Chelsea's season with damaged medial knee ligaments.

McClaren, who will speak to Terry about his injury today, has alternatives in the shape of Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, Manchester City's Micah Richards or Newcastle's Steven Taylor, but that will leave him short of experience.

The England coach has twice spoken to Carragher since he made his decision to quit international football and is hopeful that he can persuade the outstanding Liverpool defender to answer a crisis call for his country.