The England defender believes the Reds are capable of matching the best in one-off or two-legged situations as demonstrated by their run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

But he accepts that over a 10-month season, the Merseysiders are playing catch-up in terms of competing with the top two in the Premiership.

An uninspiring goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday leaves Rafael Benitez's side scrapping it out with Arsenal for third spot.

Carragher said: "I get asked why the team does so brilliantly in Europe and are inconsistent in the league? I am not sure. There are a lot of factors in it.

"I think a two-legged game, especially when we are playing at Anfield and the atmosphere created in European games, makes it very difficult for the opposition.

"But at the moment, we are just a little bit behind Chelsea and Manchester United over a nine-10 month season spanning 38 games.

"The league is a long hard slog and something we've got to look to improve. We didn't make a great start to this season and the year before was the same.

"We are just a level behind the top two at the moment. It's something we want to bridge over the summer. It's up to the manager and the coaching staff to see which direction they want to go in.

"As players we've got to do as much as we can between now and the end of the season to prove to the manager that we still deserve to be here next season."

Arsenal's last-gasp defeat to Everton meant Liverpool's point at Villa Park was more meritorious and they are only a point behind the Gunners, who have a game in hand.

Carragher said: "I am sure the battle with Arsenal will go right to the wire. We want to finish third and I am sure they will as well.

"The main thing is that we are in the Champions League again next year but also we want to do as well as we can in the competition this season."

In the short term Carragher's thoughts have now termed to England and a crucial European Championship qualifier with Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

He is certain to play given that both first choice full-backs in the injured Gary Neville and suspended Ashley Cole are unavailable.

Carragher said: "It's a very important game but you are always involved in big games for England and Liverpool and I am sure this will be no different.

"Is it my biggest England game? Let's hope I am playing first!"

Steven Gerrard will be available after giving Steve McClaren a slight injury scare when receiving a kick on the shin against Villa.

Carragher said: "Steven is a top player for Liverpool and a top player for England.

"He came off a few minutes early just as a precaution against Villa and he will be fine.

"He is one of England's most important, if not our most important player."