Andy Carroll has admitted that he is keen to keep his place in the England starting lineup for Tuesday's encounter against co-hosts Ukraine.

The Liverpool frontman has been widely tipped to drop to the bench because of Wayne Rooney's availability following a two-match suspension.

However, Carroll has revealed that he is hoping to start alongside England's talisman.

"I think I put myself about in the game against Sweden. Now I've just got to do that in training and try to keep my place," he told the Daily Mail.

"Obviously, Wayne is a fantastic player with great qualities and we need him in the team. I would love to play alongside him - any player would - and I've never had that chance before."

Carroll opened the scoring during England's 3-2 win over Sweden on Friday night.