The Liverpool striker is the toast of the red half of Merseyside after his winning goal in the FA Cup semi-final. What does his immediate future hold?
We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves here, but Liverpool fans will certainly be hoping Saturday will be a turning point for their £35 million striker.
The price tag has been like an albatross around the neck of the forward, who has frequently struggled this season, missing sitters and looking bereft of confidence.
This may just inspire him to go on and achieve even more.
After all, the rewards are in front of him, if he can just seize them.
We are asking, if there is any way Carroll should be considered for Euro 2012?
England’s striking situation is every bit as confusing as its management dilemma, with questions over who will lead the line in Wayne Rooney’s suspension-induced absence.
Darren Bent may not be fit, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge remain inconsistent, while there are calls for Grant Holt to go ahead of Peter Crouch, not to mention the ever-present Jermain Defoe.
Andy Carroll has become England’s forgotten man, and has had a dismal season, but now has 2 in 2, and if he finishes the season strongly may be able to throw his hat into the ring for a squad place.
Let’s not forget, when England played last against opening opponents France, Carroll led the line, England lost 2-1 of course- but it shows he is not too far off being in the mix for a place.
But has he left it too late? Is it beyond him? Is there anything he can do, or has this season just been far too damaging to his prospects of a place at this summer’s tournament?
It is difficult to assess without knowing who the manager will be- but it is fair to Carroll is now in the last chance saloon when it comes to Euro 2012.
Assuming there is just a chink of hope for the pony-tailed hitman, what exactly does he need to do in the remaining games of this season, how many goals will be enough?
There are six games left for Carroll to make an impression this season, five in the league- including a cup dress rehearsal against Chelsea, and then the FA Cup Final itself.
How many goals would Carroll need to score in those six games to have a chance of making Euro 2012?
Six? Five? Four? Three?
Or is it about the magnitude of the goals rather than the quantity?
What if Carroll fails to score in all five league games, but then bags the winner in the FA Cup Final against Chelsea?
He will give the next England manager a problem if he does; he will become a Liverpool hero, and prove himself as a big-game player even more so.
England could certainly do with a few of those this summer, if they are to achieve anything and avoid embarrassment.
How far off the Euro 2012 squad is Carroll? How many goals does he need in his last six games, or is it a miracle he requires?
images: © joncandy, © andrew_j_w
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