Carra happy with testimonial

Carragher scored two penalties - one an own goal - as his Liverpool side beat an Everton XI 4-1 with other strikes coming from Luis Garcia, Joe Cole and Nathan Eccleston.

Former Reds and current Manchester United striker Owen received a mixed reception, unlike Gerrard who played the first 10 minutes despite having featured in England's 4-0 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Bulgaria.

Carragher admitted the plan had been for Owen to take Liverpool's penalty late in the first half only for the Anfield crowd to have a different opinion.

"I asked the referee to give us a penalty before half-time because I was thinking about Michael as I wanted him to score - I totally forgot that people would want me to take one," said the 32-year-old, who hopes to raise £1 million ($1.69 million) for his 23 Foundation through this game and a gala dinner.

"He's my best mate in football and I think it took a lot of courage to come back today and do it for me knowing he would take a lot of stick.

"But I think the crowd would have killed him if he'd taken the penalty listening to their reaction.

"Then I was terrified of missing because that is what everyone would remember so I had to bluff the keeper into thinking I was putting it on the spot and take it quickly."

On his own goal penalty for the Toffees he said: "As an Everton fan as a kid I've always dreamed about scoring against Liverpool so that is why I did that."

Carragher was delighted Gerrard was able to leave England duty to make a brief appearance.

"A big thank you to the people at the FA because it is not easy as they had two massive games - but I think it helped they won last night," he added.

"He is the best player I've ever played with so I'm delighted he was involved.

"England always have to do a warm-down the day after so that was his warm-down."

Gerrard felt it was important to play a part, however, small.

"Because I'm so close to Jamie, not just as a team-mate but as a friend, I wanted to be here to share it with him," said the England and Liverpool captain.

"I asked for permission to fly in and out and have a small cameo and he (Capello) was fine with it, although I'm sure his decision was based on beating Bulgaria 4-0."