Danny Mills backs Andy Carroll to be selected for England's World Cup squad

Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills has urged England manager Gareth Southgate to select West Ham United striker Andy Carroll for this summer's World Cup in Russia.

The forward has not represented his country since 2012 when he earned his ninth cap under then-boss Roy Hodgson, who resigned from his post after Euro 2016 failure.

On Tuesday night, Carroll scored twice to help the Hammers come from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the London Stadium, and Mills believes that the 6ft 3in striker could be an asset in Russia if he remains fit.

"I certainly think he would be a Plan B or a Plan C, whichever way you want to look at it," Mills told 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.

"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."

Before Tuesday night, the forward had not scored since April 1.