 ANDY CARROLL’S form for Newcastle United had made England coach Fabio Capello sit up and take notice. Capello returned from Warsaw, where he was attending the Euro 2012 draw, to receive rave reviews of Carroll’s performance in the 5-1 demolition of Cardiff City. For among the interested onlookers at St James’ Park on Friday was England’s senior and Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce. Capello has been impressed by what he has witnessed of Carroll in the Under-21 set-up and is keeping close tabs on his development. And while it is clear that the closest Carroll – who took his tally for the season to eight – will get to the senior squad and a major tournament at the moment is a TV screen during this summer’s World Cup, Capello wants new blood for the European Championships. And Carroll is near the top of a list of Under-21 players to be given a future chance – if he can continue his solid progress. The Chronicle first revealed that Carroll’s form was being closely monitored at senior level back in November when he scored twice for the Under-21s against Macedonia in a 6-3 win. Not since the days of Alan Shearer over a decade ago have Newcastle fans had a major interest in England games, but Carroll's emergence at international level would change that. An FA source told the Chronicle: “It’s normal for the Under-21 coach to keep tabs on players at this level, but Andy is beginning to show real promise and they are intrigued to see if he can keep it up. “Playing in the Championship at Newcastle has given him the chance to establish himself this season, but the big test for him will be if Newcastle are back in the Premier League and he continues to do it. “The England manager is not ruling out a few new faces coming into the equation after this summer’s World Cup. The first place he is naturally going to look is the Under-21s and Andy is one of about half a dozen lads who are under consideration.” Capello saw England’s senior side handed a draw that does not pose any major worries for the 2012 qualifiers, with Wales, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Switzerland all in the same group as the Three Lions. Meanwhile, Carroll was today feeling upbeat and in rampant mood ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Derby County. He said: “When you are in good form, you can’t wait for the next game to come. “But the main focus is getting another three points and hopefully I can get on the scoresheet again too.” | 
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