'Unplayable' Andy can be Euro star
Steven Gerrard today insisted England can feel the benefit of Andy Carroll's 'unplayable' form for Liverpool when the European Championships kick off next month.
The England skipper says the loss of Wayne Rooney for the first two games of the tournament could be softened if Carroll can reproduce his recent club form on the international stage in Poland and Ukraine.
"I hope he can help make up for losing Wayne," said Gerrard. "We'll have to wait and see what the manager goes with formation wise and personnel.
"But if Andy was to bring his form for Liverpool over the last couple of months to the international stage, it would be a big plus.
"Because when he's in that form and he plays with that intensity, sharpness and directness, he can be unplayable.
"That's the reason we signed him because we saw some of that at Newcastle.
"He's come into form and, if he can maintain that, it can only be a positive for the national team."
Gerrard added: "He took a bit of criticism this season, but you've got to understand he is still a baby in terms of his age as a footballer.
"I think he's settled down now. He's enjoying being at the club and I think he's starting to prove a lot of critics wrong."