England manager Steve McClaren has hinted he regrets not giving Jamie Carragher more regular opportunities in the national team.

The Liverpool defender recently retired from international football due to a lack of chances at the heart of the England defence and a meeting between he and McClaren failed to change his mind.

"It's a massive disappointment. He is a captain and a leader," said McClaren.

When asked on Sky Sports 1 whether in hindsight he regrets choosing the likes of Ledley King and Wes Brown over Carragher, the England boss said: "The level of disappointment that Jamie had at not playing, obviously I would have liked to have known about that decision a lot earlier and maybe changed.

"Jamie is 29, 30, and has been in every squad. He's very important to England when he was available.

"I can fully understand but am disappointed to lose him, he epitomises not just Liverpool but England. We had a very good meeting and I said if he ever wants to change his mind, to pick up the phone and call me."