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Is AC back in England frame?

By Scott Johnson

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Andy Carroll of West Ham United (C) celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and West Ham United at the Riverside Stadium on January 21, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Andy Carroll of West Ham United (C) celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and West Ham United at the Riverside Stadium on January 21, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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He’s back, fit and scoring for West Ham. So should Andy Carroll be in with a shout for an England recall?

It’s the question that follows any English player around their entire career. Especially when they’re on form. And especially if they’ve been around the squad before. As such it is only natural to expect West Ham’s Andy Carroll to be in the media focus right now.

And why shouldn’t he be? He’s in great form and right now there’s not a defender in the league that wants to deal with him in the air. Many will say that he doesn’t score enough to be the main striker for his country, but why not consider him as an alternative plan? He certainly offers a lot

Andy Carroll

Everyone knows that Carroll doesn’t score quite as many goals as the big boys in the league. Per 90 minute this season he is fairly competitive, but he hasn’t played enough. However he does outperform the top strikers in a number of areas.

As the graphic shows, none of the top strikers can match Carroll in the air. The fact he wins more than he loses in the air is an incredible feat, and that stat translates almost directly to the fact he has scored more headed goals per 90 minutes than any other striker (in this comparison) this season.

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He’s also suffered the 2nd most fouls per 90. Whilst this might not seem like a big thing, it can be used to great effect by teams like West Ham. When they are under pressure, a foul on the front man can mean the whole team gets to move up the pitch 40 yards, relieving that pressure. It can also lead to a goal scoring chance if you can get the free kick into the box.

He also contributes massively to the defence. Whenever West Ham were defending a corner at the weekend it was Carroll who got his head on the ball out. He is a huge man and avoiding him with any delivery is tough.

So, good enough for England?\

If we’re talking about leading the line for England, then probably not. He hasn’t shown that he can score regularly enough to be the main man. However he should definitely be considered as part of the squad.

Think about the Euro 2016 game where England were pushing Iceland back. Where they were camped in their own box defending. Andy Carroll would have been perfect. Iceland would have either had to push up to stop him getting into the box, and therefore let the pacey players in behind, or sit back and run the risk of Carroll getting his head on the huge number of crosses coming in.

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Whilst many consider Carroll not good enough for England, I would say that England aren’t good enough to not consider him. If you want a plan B, Carroll is the perfect option.