Andy Carroll has been recalled to the England squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
West Ham striker Carroll has missed England’s last four matches but is back in the fold after a return to form.
Carroll, who moved to Upton Park on a season-long loan from Liverpool last August, has been key to West Ham’s mid-table finish in their first season back in the Premier League.
He has scored seven League goals in his last 15 appearances for the club and his displays prompted England coach Roy Hodgson to have him watched against Newcastle two weeks ago.
The 24-year-old forward seemed set for an illustrious England career, particularly after performing well under Hodgson at Euro 2012. But the last of his 13 international caps came against San Marino in October, although he has been hampered with injury problems this season.
Carroll, who is expected to be the subject of bids from West Ham and his former club Newcastle in view of a permanent switch from Anfield in the summer, has certainly proved his fitness and is back to his best.
Hodgson is taking both England international friendlies seriously as part of his long-term plans for the World Cup next year, so Carroll is expected to get plenty of playing time.
Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is set to captain England against Ireland on May 29 on what will be his 100th international cap.
Meanwhile, there was a first senior call-up for Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
England squad for the friendlies against the Republic of Ireland on May 29 and Brazil on June 2:
Foster (West Brom), Hart (Manchester City), McCarthy (Reading); Baines (Everton), Cahill (Chelsea), Cole (Chelsea), Jagielka (Everton), Johnson (Liverpool), Jones (Manchester United), Lescott (Manchester City), Walker (Tottenham); Carrick, Cleverley (both Manchester United), Lampard (Chelsea), Milner (Manchester City), Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott (both Arsenal); Carroll (West Ham, on loan from Liverpool), Defoe (Tottenham), Rooney (Manchester United), Sturridge (Liverpool), Welbeck (Manchester United).
