Wednesday 3 January 2018 13:56, UK
Gareth Southgate must consider taking Andy Carroll to the World Cup if the West Ham striker can stay injury-free, according to former England international Danny Mills.
Carroll scored both of West Ham's goals as David Moyes' side came from behind to beat West Brom 2-1 at the London Stadium, lifting the Hammers out of the relegation zone.
The 6ft 3in frontman, who had not scored since April 1 prior to Tuesday night, won the last of his nine England caps to date under former Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson in 2012.
But Mills believes Carroll's aerial prowess could be an invaluable option for England at Russia 2018.
"I certainly think he would be a Plan B or a Plan C, whichever way you want to look at it," Mills told Premier League Daily on Sky Sports News.
"I mean aerially he is fantastic. He is still, without a doubt, one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League.
"If he's fit he's got to be worth taking to the World Cup.
"I think there is certainly room for him in the 23 - I think it's his fitness [that is the only issue].
"You need to take players who are on form, or fit, or offer something different. Certainly, he offers something different and if you need to nick a goal, if you need a set piece or need to put a ball into the box aerially, there aren't too many better headers of the ball in Europe than Andy Carroll."
West Ham's upturn in form has seen them win three of their last six matches, and Mills is confident the 16th-placed Hammers will still be playing Premier League football next season.
"I don't think West Ham have any issues about survival now," Mills said.
"I think the bottom of the table is so congested. With a win and a draw you can almost leap up six places - that's how tight it is. I think West Ham have enough quality to get themselves out of it."
