McDermott: Start with Andy

McDermott believes Carroll's performances towards the end of Liverpool's 2011-12 campaign rightfully earned him a place in the 23-man England squad.

And the three-time European Cup winner tipped Carroll to shine at this year's tournament if given the opportunity to showcase his talent.

"I really hope Andy starts against France," McDermott told the Liverpool Echo. "He deserves to after the way he finished the season with Liverpool. His form towards the end was excellent.

"He really showed people what he was capable of after a slow start to the season. That was the Andy Carroll we saw playing for Newcastle.

"He's a real threat and no defenders at the Euros will enjoy marking him. In European centre backs are ball players, they won't like being pummelled by a 6ft 3ins striker.

"Andy is capable of having a really big impact on this tournament."

Watch the video here »

McDermott also spoke of his pride at the amount of Reds who made the journey to Poland and Ukraine as part of the England squad.

Carroll is joined by Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson at the tournament and the last time Liverpool had six players in the England squad McDermott was one of them - back in 1980 at the European Championships in Italy.

"It's a real feather in Liverpool's cap," McDermott said. "It's a big accolade to have more players in the squad than any other club and I hope they do Liverpool proud.

"I think it proves that Kenny Dalglish signed some decent players. He put his faith in talented young kids with a lot of football ahead of them.

"For the younger element with England like Jordan, Andy and Martin, it will be great for them to have experienced club-mates to talk to. That camaraderie will really help them feel at home in the squad.

"I'm sure Steven will be offering them advice and warning them of any potential pitfalls."