ROBBIE Fowler believes Jamie Carragher is the man to replace injured captain Rio Ferdinand at the heart of England’s defence.

Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup after suffering knee ligament damage in training, opening the door for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson to receive a late callup.

Ledley King and Matthew Upson are both potential candidates to partner John Terry at the back in England’s opening World Cup game against the United States.

But Fowler urged Fabio Capello to look no further than Carragher, who has come out of international retirement to be part of England’s World Cup squad.

Fowler said: ‘‘Rio is a big miss, he’s a top-class player and has been a big part for England for years now.

‘‘But we are blessed with a lot of good centre-halves.

Michael Dawson will do a job if you need him – but you’ve also got Carragher.

‘‘You know what you are getting with Jamie Carragher.

He’ll never let anyone down if he plays in that position.

‘‘It remains to be seen if Fabio plays him there but you won’t go far wrong if you do.’’ After Ferdinand’s injury, Capello handed the captaincy to Steven Gerrard.

Fowler believes the Liverpool skipper will thrive under the responsibility – and he can even picture Gerrard lifting the World Cup.

‘‘He’s been an inspirational player for years, he leads from the front. It’s not good for Rio to get injured but I think Steven will rise now and take England forward,’’ said Fowler.

‘‘Maybe it’s just me being English with rose-tinted glasses, but this is the best chance England will ever have.

‘‘On paper they are as good as anyone out there, they have world-class players, they play well as a team and were very good in qualifying.

‘‘Fingers crossed, I think we will be happy.’’ Fowler is preparing for his second season in Australia after moving to Perth Glory and he is looking forward to watching England’s rugby Test against the Wallabies on Saturday.

The two teams have been training at the same complex this week.

England manager Martin Johnson is a big Liverpool fan and scrum-half Danny Care is excited to meet his Anfield hero.

Fowler said: ‘‘I’m quietly confident we’ll do well in the rugby and then we have the Ashes coming up out here.

“It’s a good time for an Englishman to be in Australia!’’