Jamie Carragher looks set to feature in this summer's World Cup after being named in England's 30-man provisional squad.
Fabio Capello has tempted the 32-year-old out of international retirement amid doubts over the fitness of Ledley King and Rio Ferdinand.
Carragher hasn't featured for his country since 2007 but now appears likely to add to his 34 caps in South Africa.
Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson are also among the party that will travel to Austria in six days' time to begin training preparations for the tournament.
The final 23-man squad will be announced on June 1.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips
Forwards: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney
Jamie Carragher Explanation :
Jamie Carragher has explained his decision to come out of international retirement.
Our No.23 has been named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup three years after retiring from international duty.
Carragher is almost certain to make the final 23-man selection for the trip to South Africa.
"The FA got in touch and asked if I would have a rethink, due to injury problems. I said I would make myself available," said the 32-year-old.
"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."
England have two friendlies to play against Mexico and Japan before Capello submits his final 23 to FIFA on June 1.
"He (Carragher) is one of the 30 players," said the Italian. "During the training camp I will evaluate the performance of each player.
"We started (talking to Carragher) two months ago. We spoke with him. Franco Baldini met him two weeks ago and he was happy to stay with us. We decided to select him. I selected him because he is a really, really good player."
Supports for Jamie Carragher :
Jamie Redknapp supports the expected recall of Jamie Carragher to the England fold.
Carragher is thought to have been tempted out of international retirement by Fabio Capello ahead of this summer's World Cup.
It follows a string of injuries to the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King.
Former Liverpool teammate Redknapp said: "He's pumped up for this unexpected chance and won't let England down.
"He's a warrior of a footballer, but also a good tourist to have around. I say it's a good pick by Capello."
Carragher has never played under Capello having retired from the international scene in the summer of 2007.
Redknapp thinks working with the Italian will be good for our No.23.
"Don't bet against Jamie becoming a manager one day, he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game," said the one-time Reds captain.
"He'll be eager to learn from Capello with this recall."
John Aldridge is confident Jamie Carragher will feature heavily in England's bid for World Cup success following the defender's international U-turn.
The Reds' vice-captain has been named in Fabio Capello's provisional squad of 30 but Aldo is convinced he will make the cut and be on the plane to South Africa.
"I'll be having a close look at England, Spain and Argentina with the likes of Gerrard, Carragher, Torres and Mascherano involved," said Aldridge.
"I believe Carra will make the final 23. I also expect him to play quite a bit because Fabio Capello knows he can trust him.
"His change of heart has probably come due to Liverpool's poor season. I know after I missed that penalty at Wembley in 1988 I went away to the European Championships and enjoyed every minute of it."
Peter Crouch has backed Fabio Capello's decision to entice Jamie Carragher out of international retirement.
The former Liverpool striker knows all about his old teammate's qualities from his time at Anfield and believes he could be an invaluable addition to the England squad ahead of the World Cup finals next month.
"Carragher has been a top-class centre-half for years," said Crouch.
"With Jamie, you get an experienced player who has played at a top level for a number of years and he is never going to let anyone down."
Fabio Capello has urged England supporters to get behind Jamie Carragher following the defender's return to international football.
The Reds defender has not featured for his country since 2007 but Capello insists the Three Lions must all pull together if they are to succeed in South Africa.
"The spirit will not be damaged," said Capello.
"We have time for players who have not been with us to understand what to do in every moment. What I will ask them in meetings is to understand this.
"The fans also have to remember they must support England, not only one player. I hope they won't boo him.
"During the World Cup I want the fans to help us.
"Carragher had to think about it because when we started he said 'no'. We tried to convince him four or five times because he is a leader on the pitch."
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