Jamie Carragher has revealed Liverpool's failure to qualify for the Champions League persuaded him to come out of international retirement.

defender Carragher has been named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup three years after retiring from international duty.

Carragher is widely expected to make the final 23-man selection for the trip to South Africa and the 32-year-old is keen to work under Capello.

"The FA got in touch a few weeks ago and asked if I would have a rethink, due to injury problems. I said I would make myself available," said Carragher.

"The World Cup and Champions League are the highest levels of football.

"I'm not getting any younger, we have no Champions League football next season and I am keen to work under Fabio Capello."

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James believes England's preparations for the World Cup could not be better under manager Fabio Capello.

"Everything's changed under him," the 39-year-old goalkeeper told The Daily Telegraph. "Major, major changes for the good. We have so many world-class players, and in Mr Capello, a world-class manager who doesn't let anything slip.

"What Mr Capello does, be it by design or accident, you genuinely don't know whether you're in or not until the last moment," revealed the Portsmouth goalkeeper, who looks certain to be included in the 30-man squad.

"I've experienced it from both sides, and the good thing about that policy is there's very little difference in the preparation between those playing and those not, so you go into the team announcement geared up, prepared to play.

"The game against Ukraine was a nice demonstration of the methodology. Rob [Green] got sent off after 15 minutes and I was there. That's what his preparation does for you."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is optimistic that Darren Bent can make the cut to go to the World Cup in South Africa.

The striker was named in Fabio Capello's initial 30-man squad on Tuesday after a prolific season for the Black Cats, allowing him the opportunity to make up for the disappointment of not being named in the 2006 squad when he was with Charlton.

The 26-year-old has often been overlooked despite his impressive goal record in the Premier League over recent seasons, with 25 goals this campaign giving him the nod in front of the likes of Bobby Zamora and Carlton Cole.

"What Darren has done for Sunderland this season is nothing short of fantastic - you can't argue with a return of 25 goals," Bruce told the club's official website.

"He has all the attributes needed to make a big impact on the international stage."

Bent finished third in the overall ranking for the Premier League golden boot award, losing out to Wayne Rooneyand Didier Drogba.

The £10million signing from Tottenham has proved a huge success at the Stadium of Light, revitalising a career that appeared to be falling by the wayside at White Hart Lane, with former manager Harry Redknapp publicly stating that his wife could have scored an opportunity Bent missed.

However Bent's move up to Wearside has seemingly proved his former boss wrong, with Bruce hailing the player's ability to score goals and that he will be right behind his player to make the final 23 to go on the plane to the tournament in June.

"Darren's finishing ability is exceptional, and that's a key asset when are playing on a big stage like the World Cup," Bruce added.

"Hopefully he can impress Mr Capello and earn a place in the full squad. We are all rooting for him.

"The call-up is Darren's reward for an excellent first season for us."