England: Champions League is better than World Cup, Carragher

Jamie Carragher has admitted he thinks the latter stages of the Champions League provide a better spectacle than the World Cup.

The first four days of competition in South Africa certainly bear that out.

Aside from Germany's outstanding performance against Australia, there have been few stand-out matches, with England's disappointing draw against the United States among the best.

It is an opinion that is shared by Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger, namely that the best club football has to offer tops anything the international arena can produce.

"The latter stages of the Champions League is the better spectacle," said Carragher

"We talk about that all the time. The Champions League is the highest level because teams can go and buy whoever they want.

"Most players play better for their clubs because they are used to it and I am sure Barcelona would give Brazil and Spain a game."

There is a significant difference though.

Although the pressure of appearing in top class club combat is quite intense, in Carragher's experience, it does not come close to that which is being experienced by the 32 teams currently attempting to get crowned best in the world.

"The pressure of playing for your country is more intense than playing for your club," said Carragher.

"You are going onto the pitch representing everyone.

"You are under so much scrutiny. Look at Robert Green. If you make a mistake like that for your club there wouldn't be so much scrutiny."