Collins feels West Ham team-mate Carroll should be back in England fold

West Ham’s towering frontman Andy Carroll deserves a recall to the national side, says Hammers team-mate James Collins.

Carroll, 28, has scored six times in 16 appearances for Slaven Bilic’s side this season, including a memorable overhead kick in the Iron’s win over Crystal Palace.

The powerful former Newcastle and Liverpool number nine has won plaudits for his goal-scoring exploits and bullying of defenders for West Ham this season, but has not represented England since October 2012.

Carroll’s career has been dogged by injury, and he has scored twice in just nine appearances for the national side.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

But England boss Gareth Southgate should include the giant Geordie in his next squad, according to Welshman Collins.

“I know if I was playing against him and he was in the opposite team, I’d be in for a tough afternoon,” said Collins, who has won 51 caps for Wales, scoring three goals.

“It gives [England] something different.

“What Andy can do; I’ve never trained against a lad or played against a lad who is as physical and as good in the air as Andy.

“I think it’s a no brainer for him to be in the squad as something different to what they’re used to.”