Paul Gascoigne has backed fellow Newcastle native Andy Carroll to hit form at this summer's European Championships.

Gazza is acutely aware of the pressures a young forward faces at an international tournament but believes that Carroll could be ready to have a huge impact for the Three Lions at Euro 2012.

Gascoigne told the Daily Mail: "The guy needs a boost and you never know what comes out of these tournaments.

"I came back from the 1990 World Cup as a hero and I'd like to think it wasn't just about the tears, but because of the passion I had for my country.

"I wish everybody well. But because Andy's a Geordie it'd be good for him - it would boost his morale because he's not had the best of seasons. But he's coming good. He must be a German - he's coming good towards the end."

Liverpool striker Carroll is fit and available for selection for England's opening game at Euro 2012 against France on June 11.