Cresswell tips Carroll to play his way into World Cup contention

Cresswell says Carroll would add a different dimension to England in the summer Credit: PA

Aaron Cresswell has tipped West Ham team-mate Andy Carroll to play his way into World Cup contention with England.

Carroll won the last of his nine caps in October 2012 and has been blighted by injury for much of his five-year international exile.

But he is back in harness with the Hammers after missing the start of the season with groin trouble, and Cresswell believes the 28-year-old's well-known aerial threat could be an asset in Russia next year.

England are increasingly reliant on Harry Kane's goals and, should Carroll begin to find his peak form and fitness, he may become an attractive 'Plan B' for Gareth Southgate.

Asked if the former Liverpool and Newcastle striker could be part of the Three Lions again, Cresswell told Press Association Sport: "Of course he can. Everyone knows what Andy is capable of, especially in the air, and you could say it's a different dimension and that different way of playing.

"If Andy stays fit between now and the end of the season, there is no reason why he can't be in contention.

"Everyone wants to be pushing for that World Cup spot and all you can do it keep playing your best week in, week out and hope to make that plane."Cresswell's own prospects appear to be on the up after he made his first England start during Sunday's 1-0 win in Lithuania.

The left-back, who will be vying with the likes of Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose and Luke Shaw next summer, almost marked his big chance with a goal, producing a powerful header Carroll himself would have been proud of only to be denied by home goalkeeper Ernestas Setkus.

Southgate's side could not deliver the kind of freewheeling display fans had hoped for in Vilnius, despite top spot in Group F already being assured, but next month sees prestige friendlies against Germany and Brazil at Wembley.

Both fixtures promise to provide greater spectacles than recent games against the Lithuanians, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta, and Cresswell says the dressing room is already anticipating the double header.

"To start for England was something you dream of as a little boy. I'm proud to wear the shirt and play for England, but these type of games are never easy," he said.

"Germany and Brazil are going to be much tougher opposition and certainly tougher games but that's something the lads relish and look forward to.

"You want to play the best players in the world and in the next two games that's what we want to do. Hopefully we can learn from the experience and take it into the World Cup."