West Ham United striker Andy Carroll has admitted that earning a place in the England squad is "right in [his] head" following four years in the international wilderness.
The 27-year-old will head into the new campaign injury free and in positive form after bagging two more goals in the Hammers' 3-2 defeat against Juventus on Sunday.
Carroll last played for England in 2012 and has been unable to force his way back into the fold but, with former United boss Sam Allardyce now in place at Wembley, the nine-cap forward is seeking a recall.
"Obviously England is right in my head," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying. "I want to be back in the England shirt, but I can't get there just on the manager being my old manager at West Ham.
"I think it would be unfair to even think that. I've just got to work hard at training, listen to the staff here, play the games I play, score goals and create chances and hopefully he will pick me. Nothing is a guarantee.
"Obviously he knows what I am capable of, in and out of training and in games, that's nice to know. But for me I have to just carry on playing for West Ham as best as I can and hopefully push myself in."
Carroll joined West Ham from Liverpool on a permanent £15m deal in 2013.
Daniel Lewis
