England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the time is right for him to quit international football.

The 29-year-old's move was prompted by him being omitted in favour of Ledley King in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia.

"There are a number of reasons why I've been thinking about this," said Carragher in the Liverpool Echo.

"I first thought about it after the World Cup because I wondered how many chances I'd get for England at centre half.

"Then when Sol Campbell was out of the picture I thought I could put pressure on Rio Ferdinand for the other centre half position alongside John Terry.

"Given my form for Liverpool, I genuinely thought that was possible, but over the last 12 months players like Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King have played there ahead of me.

"I can't really argue with that because they're top drawer players. It's not as if they're Mickey Mouse defenders.

"Even in the last two games against Brazil and Estonia, England conceded just one goal, so people can argue the manager got his decision spot on.

"It's just that from a purely personal point of view, it's been disappointing because after some of my performances for Liverpool I thought I deserved a chance.

"I hoped I could come in, play out of my skin and do well enough to keep my place, not just for one game or two, but cement it.

"It was particularly disappointing for me when Rio was out against Estonia and I wasn't picked.

"I thought I'd had a good season for Liverpool, especially helping us get to the Champions League final.

"Like any player I thought I deserved to play, but not doing so made the situation crystal clear to me.

"Everyone can see England are very strong in the central defensive department at the moment. There are a lot of world class players there and most of them are younger than me, have their best years ahead and will get better and better.

"I'm 29 now, and I have to accept if I'm not a regular starter now, I don't think I ever will be.

"It's going to be difficult for me to be seen as anything more than a squad player, and at this stage of my career that's not what I'm interested in.

"Playing the odd game here and there isn't enough. Four or five years ago I was happy to have that role, but not now."