Jamie Carragher believes his experiences over the next few weeks can help him become a top-class manager.

The 32-year-old is relishing working with Fabio Capello, who helped shape the careers of all-time greats Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.

And despite being the oldest outfield player in England's squad, Carragher is viewing the trip to South Africa as part of his football education as he looks ahead to swapping the pitch for the dugout.

"It is an experience working with Capello," said Carragher. "I regard the two best defenders of all-time as Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.

"That will be a great education for me over the next weeks. One of the main reasons for coming back was to work with him.

"You pick up things from everyone. If you go into management, you then do what you think is right."

He added: "There are not too many players of my age going. When I was last in the squad, you had people like Michael Owen, Gary Neville, David Beckham, Sol Campbell - all vastly experienced.

"So that was the strangest thing this time, finding that I was the oldest outfield player. Do I feel I have extra responsibility? Not really. But if my experience can help, that will be fantastic."

One thing Carragher has learned over the years is not to let the hype surrounding England's chances in a major tournament go to his head.

He explained: "The starting line-up hasn't actually changed too much from 2006. Maybe someone made the mistake of calling us the Golden Generation and building us up.

"But all these players now have four years more experience, are four years more wise and hopefully that will keep us in good stead. I think we have been bitten that many times, people don't want to fall into the same trap again."