Carroll gives England another dimension, says Hodgson

Posted Friday, May 17, 2013 by Goal.com

The West Ham striker returns to the international fold and will hope to make an impact in friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil

England manager Roy Hodgson says that Andy Carroll gives the national side "another dimension" in attack after his call-up for the summer friendlies.

Carroll returns to the international fold for the first time since last October for friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

And Hodgson has hinted the West Ham striker, on loan from Liverpool, represents a good alternative option to his current attacking options.

"It is very important to have some members of your team who can give you another dimension," he told reporters. "For a long time I didn't consider Andy Carroll because he was injured. But since he has come back he has been in our thoughts.

"He is the type of player who brings another dimension to our squad and other possibilities if we care to use them. I am not concerned about his playing style.

"There is always going to be room for a centre-forward of his class and his type. He is good at holding the ball up and very good at attacking crosses, not only in the opponents' penalty box but also our own."

Hodgson is also keen to give young Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy a chance to prove his worth in upcoming friendlies, despite the previous involvement of Fraser Forster and Jack Butland.

"Jack Butland came with us to the Euros but we have not had a chance to use him over the last few months because the Under-21s have a very important tournament in Israel," Hodgson said.

"We have had a good look at Fraser Forster. With Alex having done so well in the games I have seen him play and from the reports I have received of him, this is a good chance to bring him in behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster and see how he copes in the senior squad.

"He deserves it because he is playing well. It is important to give these young players a chance to show what they can do. I will have a chance to talk to him, as will Dave Watson our goalkeeping coach."