Andy Carroll's Joy At England Call Up

Andy Carroll has revealed that he was thrilled to have been called up for his first England match.

The Newcastle player was set to pull on the England shirt for the first time as Fabio Capello named him in the squad for the friendly against France but that has been thrown into jeopardy by a groin strain.

Carroll picked up the injury during the 0-0 draw with Fulham at the weekend and is now desperate to be fit in time for Wednesday.

Speaking to The Sun the Newcastle man said: "There had been a lot of hints that I would get in the England squad and when I got told officially on Saturday night it was the best feeling in the world.

"But then the prospect of having to pull out felt like the worst feeling in the world."

Despite the injury Carroll has made the trip to England's training camp ahead of Wednesday's friendly clash with France where he will under go a scan to see the extent of the damage.

Carroll is making as many headlines off the pitch as he is on but the twenty one year old wants a chance to put things straight and prove himself in an England vest.

"There's been a lot said about me off the pitch and I want to change that round. I want people to be talking about what I do on the pitch.

"I think I deserved the call-up. I've been doing well this season and I've got seven goals in the league.

"Plenty of opposition players and managers have said good things about how I play.If I keep my good form going I hope the England manager will be picking me again.

"I really believe I can score goals for England and I want the chance to prove it."

Jay Bothroyd, Chris Smalling and Jordan Henderson are the other new faces that have been called up to the England squad by Fabio Capello for the first time.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw