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Shearer backs Carroll to perform with the right service
Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2012 by Goal.com

Shearer backs Carroll to perform with the right service

Alan Shearer has tipped Andy Carroll to come good at Euro 2012, provided that he recieves good service from his England team-mates.

The striker is in contention to start against France on June 11, with talisman Wayne Rooney banned for the first two group games.

The Liverpool man became the most expensive English player of all time when he signed from Newcastle for £35 million last year and, despite a difficult start to life at Anfield, Shearer thinks that he can succeed for his country this summer.

"The ability's there. I saw that at Newcastle," he told ESPNStar.com.
"He's had an in-and-out season but, for the last month, you've probably seen more of what Andy Carroll is about.

"If you've got him in your team, you've got him in your team for one reason, and that is to get balls into the box. Because, if you get the right balls in, not many people will be able to stop him.

"If you do that, he'll score goals, whether that's at club level or international level. He could play with most players. He could play with Wayne.

"I hope he gets his opportunity to do that. I hope they get through and they're able to do that."

Shearer added that, if he were picking the squad to take to Ukraine and Poland, the omitted Rio Ferdinand would be playing, and that he believes that getting past the quarter-finals would qualify as a success for England.

"If it was my decision then I think Rio still has a lot to offer," the ex-pro opined.

"I suspect it might be the end of him now if [Roy Hodgson] hasn't picked him for this tournament because of form.

"He's had a few injuries but I don't think you can doubt his ability.

"I think we'll do well if we get to the semi-final. I've not met anyone who says we can win it, which hopefully can work in our favour.

"For the first time in a long time, there's no huge pressure for them to win it. One thing that will happen is that England will be well-organised. They'll be well drilled.

"Chelsea were that in the Champions League, weren't they? And if you're hard to beat then you can always nick a goal."

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia