Roy Hodgson had plenty of choice when deciding his destination on Saturday. With eight Barclays Premier League games on offer for England scouting trips, he opted for Upton Park and will have been enthused by what he saw.
A centre-forward display of power, poise and two fabulous goals. Andy Carroll gave England’s manager a reminder of his talents in West Ham’s 3-1 win over West Brom. It was probably his best display this season and harked back to the form that made Liverpool pay Newcastle £35million for him.
When asked about an international return for his striker, Sam Allardyce did not hesitate. ‘Get him in,’ the West Ham boss replied. ‘Even if he’s only a sub for Roy, if you want someone to bring others into play and relieve the pressure, he’s fantastic isn’t he?’
Carroll, all 6ft 3in of him, certainly differs in style to Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge, the four forwards picked by Hodgson for his last squad.
Allardyce added: ‘There’s not a lot of choice for Roy with English players for front men, and Andy’s looking better and better.
‘He shouldn’t be held down by the fact that people might say, like they do with me, “Oh, it’s long ball”. It’s not that. If it’s played up to him, he’s a good hold-up player. He’ll cause any defender at international level problems if you deliver balls into the box to his feet or his head.’
Carroll’s first goal was a thundering header from Gary O’Neil’s corner. The second illustrated that most difficult skill, the volley over the shoulder. James Collins flighted a free-kick from within West Ham’s half and Carroll watched it on to his weaker right foot and steered it into the far corner past Ben Foster.
Carroll, 24, said: ‘I got two goals. I’m feeling good. I hope to play in every game for England but haven’t been picked, so I’ve just got to work hard here and hopefully I’ll be involved next time.’
On the South Coast another centre forward was reminding Hodgson of his qualities. A brilliant free-kick for Southampton supported an argument made so often at St Mary’s.
No Englishman has scored more Premier League goals this season than Rickie Lambert, who curled in No 14.
‘Lambert for England,’ sing Saints fans and his team-mates agree. ‘He deserves a chance,’ said midfielder Steven Davis. ‘He has shown a level of consistency that maybe some English strikers haven’t.
‘Maybe he is seen as an old-fashioned forward but he has good feet, holds the ball up well and brings a lot of players into play.’
Lambert (left), 31, is not quick but moves intelligently and has developed a good understanding with Jay Rodriguez, who scored the opener in the 2-1 win over Chelsea. Lambert’s touch is sure, he is decent in the air and then there’s the goalscoring record. If Hodgson ever bucks the trend and back-pedals on his decision to omit big centre forwards from his squad, then he must have a chance. – Daily Mail