West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has claimed that Andy Carroll should be part of the England squad for this summer's World Cup.

The striker, who has spent most of this season sidelined through injury, last played for his country in 2012.

However, Allardyce believes that the 25-year-old would give England manager Roy Hodgson a "fantastic alternative" if he goes to Brazil with the national side.

"I think Andy is a fantastic alternative in so much as you can change from the plan that you've got, whether you start with him or bring him off the bench," he told West Ham's official website.

"I'm not talking about pumping the ball up to his head. I don't put him on to just win headers but to control the ball with his chest and feet and bring other people into play.

"If he stays fit, he's got it in his own hands and if he does as well as he did last season, Roy can't ignore him."

Carroll has scored two goals in nine games for England since making his debut in 2010.