Carroll and Antonio to get England Call-ups?

The string of swear words that erupted from North London on Sunday from the Tottenham Hotspur faithful when star striker Harry Kane was injured against Millwall was not only sound of disappointment. England national team manager Gareth Southgate probably had to be wondering what he did a past life to deserve such a fate. With Kane out for at least a couple weeks, England face a shortage of fit strikers for the upcoming friendly against Germany and the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

The recent England stalwarts Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and Liverpool forward (and reported West Ham United target) Daniel Sturridge are both out injured, leaving England, yet again, short in the forward department for the match on Wednesday the 22nd in Dortmund and the 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday the 26th at Wembley in London. With Andy Carroll having a good run of form in January, including his wonder goal against Crystal Palace, and Michail Antonio’s continued fine performances make the West Ham pair candidates to be called-up to the England squad for these two matches. Southgate is also apparently worried about the match fitness of Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck.

The Mirror is reporting that Southgate has inquired about Carroll’s fitness, and with the former Newcastle and Liverpool player looking a tad shaky in the two games since coming back from yet another injury the big man suffered this season, Carroll’s dream of playing for England again may have to wait.

Antonio, however, has been arguably the one the best Hammers this year, lining up everywhere from fullback to striker, and having flexible options would be a relief for the England manager who has to throw a squad together late in the season. Injuries and fatigue make selections often a headache this time of year, and while no English player should look past playing Germany, even in a friendly, the players may be tempted to focus on the club careers rather than a friendly and a seemingly very winnable match against Lithuania in World Cup qualifying. Hopefully both Carroll and Antonio get a call up and help England get a good result in a friendly and grab all three points at Wembley.