James Carragher’s Surprise International Call-Up: Following a Different Legacy

Football runs in the Carragher family, but James Carragher is charting his own path—one that veers away from the traditional expectations of his surname. The 22-year-old Wigan Athletic defender, son of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, has received his first international call-up. However, in a twist that few saw coming, it won’t be for England. Instead, Carragher has chosen to represent Malta, a nation that rarely finds itself in the international football spotlight.

This decision raises eyebrows not only because of his father’s deep-rooted connection to English football but also because of what it means for his career trajectory. While Jamie donned the England jersey 38 times, his son is embracing an opportunity that offers him more immediate playing time on the international stage.

James Carragher’s eligibility for Malta comes through his paternal grandfather, a connection that has now been formalized with citizenship. His decision was not made overnight. According to Bjorn Vassallo, the president of the Malta Football Association, discussions had been ongoing for several months before the call-up became official.

For Malta, landing Carragher is a significant achievement. A promising young defender competing regularly in England’s League One is a valuable addition to their squad. Emilio De Leo, Malta’s head coach, will likely be eager to integrate Carragher into a defense that has historically struggled against Europe’s elite teams. His potential debut could come as early as Malta’s opening World Cup qualifying match against Finland, followed by a tough encounter with Poland, where he might find himself tasked with stopping none other than Robert Lewandowski.

The move also means that once he makes an official competitive appearance for Malta, he will no longer be eligible to switch allegiance to England, closing the door on any potential Three Lions aspirations. But with England boasting a deep pool of defensive talent, Carragher’s choice appears to be a calculated one—opting for a path that guarantees him international experience rather than waiting for a call-up that might never come.

Carragher’s rise to this moment hasn’t been without setbacks. Injuries threatened to derail his progress, forcing him to navigate a difficult road to first-team football. After making his debut for Wigan in the 2021-22 season, he was sent on loan to Oldham Athletic and later Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where he gained crucial experience.

His father, Jamie, has openly spoken about the emotional toll his son’s injuries took on him. In a heartfelt interview, he described how watching James struggle with setbacks was far more difficult than anything he experienced in his own career.