• Premier League

Carroll to miss England qualifiers

ESPN staff
September 1, 2012
Andy Carroll impressed on his West Ham debut before going off injured © PA Photos
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Andy Carroll has pulled out of England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine due to injury.

Carroll, who joined the Hammers on loan from Liverpool this week, impressed on his debut against Fulham - a game West Ham won 3-0 - before being forced off in the second half with a hamstring problem.

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce spoke of the forward's injury in his post-match interview, predicting there was little chance of Carroll representing his country. The FA has now confirmed his withdrawal from the England squad.

"West Ham United forward Andy Carroll has withdrawn from the England squad to face Moldova and Ukraine," the FA said in a statement. "After picking up an injury in the match against Fulham, Carroll will not be part of the squad for England's opening FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next week.

"Any decision on whether to call additional players into the squad will not be made until after the three fixtures on Sunday have been completed."

Allardyce had earlier said: "Andy might have tweaked a hamstring. It is hugely disappointing if that's the case... but it will be unlikely he goes [away with England]. I don't think he's much chance - sadly for Roy [Hodgson] and sadly for us. It depends on the extent of the damage.

"He is desperate to play football. We had Carlton Cole warmed up and ready to go and Andy was going to be substituted anyway in the next couple of minutes."

Carroll had been named in the England squad for the fixtures away to Moldova on September 7 and at home to Ukraine on September 11.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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