Andy Carroll is confident he can force his way back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup as he builds his fitness back up at West Ham.
The 28-year-old, who was handed his Three Lions debut at 21 by Fabio Capello, has not represented his country since appearing off the bench in a 5-0 win over San Marino in 2012.
Since then the former Liverpool made joined West Ham on a permanent basis and, while popping up with important performances and goals, has seen his time in east London marred by injury.
However, Carroll is backing himself to earn a place in Southgate’s squad.
"It would be nice to be in the squad, it is nice to be spoken about in that way,” he told Sky Sports.
"All I have got to do is work hard and hopefully get the call but, at the minute, I am focused on getting fully fit here, scoring goals, and getting good results. If I deserve it, hopefully I will get the call."
In recent years the Three Lions have been accused of not having a ‘Plan B’ when they come unstuck against certain sides, especially those looking to sit deep.
Carroll, though, feels he definitely still has something to offer at international level and can give Southgate something different.
"Definitely," he added. "I am confident of what I can do and it is different to what they have got at the minute. I am fully confident of my ability.
"I am feeling good; I am feeling a lot sharper than I did at the beginning of the season, getting back fit. I have had a run of games. In training, I feel a lot sharper, not 100 per cent yet but I am getting there."
