Gerrard backs Carroll to find the net

England captain Steven Gerrard is backing Liverpool team-mate Andy Carroll to hit top form at Euro 2012.

Carroll took a while to make an impact on Merseyside following his 35-million-pound move from Newcastle in January 2011, but after helping his club to Carling Cup success and an FA Cup final, he earned himself a spot in Roy Hodgson’s squad.

And Gerrard is hoping the 23-year-old can emulate his performances towards the end of the domestic season.

“Domestically Andy probably didn’t want the season to end, because he hit top form and became unplayable for us in those final games,” Gerrard said.

“Everyone is focused here now on England and the whole country, myself included, will be hoping that Andy can bring his form from Liverpool into the international set-up.”

Carroll is competing with Danny Welbeck for a place at the heart of Hodgson’s attack for their opening game against France on Monday.

Carroll and Welbeck have started a game each in the two friendlies leading up to Euro 2012, and after the Manchester United striker scored the winner against Belgium at Wembley, Hodgson is left with a difficult choice.