Tuesday 17 April 2018 12:48, UK
Andy Carroll is not getting stressed about making the World Cup this summer, but Peter Crouch believes the West Ham striker is a good option for England.
Carroll came off the bench on Monday night for his first game since January 4 to volley in and salvage a point in a 1-1 draw with Stoke.
It kept David Moyes' side seven points above the 19th-placed Potters in the race to avoid the drop and Carroll was delighted to boost the Hammers and his ongoing recovery from an ankle injury.
The 29-year-old told Sky Sports News: "It's been tough and very frustrating. I've got through it and now I'm back on the pitch and I feel good."
Asked if he's fit enough to face Arsenal on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, he added: "I don't know. I feel good but it's up to the manager."
England boss Gareth Southgate was at the London Stadium on Monday and will have been impressed with Carroll's sweet strike in the final minute.
Could he make the plane heading to Russia for this summer's World Cup? Carroll said: "It would be nice but I'm just concentrating on getting fit, scoring goals and getting in the squad.
"Hopefully something will come out of it but if not then it is what it is."
One player also on the scoresheet at West Ham was Stoke and former England striker Crouch.
SSN reporter Kaveh Solhekol jokingly suggested to Crouch he could link up with Carroll in Southgate's team.
Crouch said: "I haven't played for England for years and I'm not thinking about! I'm sure it's different with Andy though.
"He is a different option. Why wouldn't you take him? We have a lot of options upfront but he's proved tonight when called upon he can do the business - but he has to stay fit."
