Andrew Thomas "Andy" Carroll born 6 January 1989) is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Liverpool and the England national team. The fee of £35 million paid by Liverpool for his transfer from Newcastle on 31 January 2011 is the highest for a British footballer and the eighth highest for any footballer. He is the second most expensive player playing for a British club, behind Fernando Torres, who moved from Liverpool to Chelsea for £50 million on the same day Carroll signed for the Reds.
International career
On 11 September 2007, Carroll made his England under-19 debut against Belarus, scoring in the 4–0 victory. On 12 March 2009, Carroll, fresh from signing a new contract at Newcastle, was called up to the England U-20s for a match against Italy U-20s, but was withdrawn from the squad and replaced by Hal Robson-Kanu of Swindon Town.
Carroll received his first call up to the England U-21s on 5 August 2009.He made his debut on 11 August 2009 against Holland, coming on as a second half substitute. On his second cap with the under-21 team, on 9 October 2009 against Macedonia U-21s, he scored two goals and assisted another as England romped to a 6–3 win.
His performances for Newcastle earned him a call up to the England squad for the friendly against France on 17 November 2010. Carroll passed a late fitness test to start the match.England boss Fabio Capello recently stated his desire to partner Carroll up front with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney for the forthcoming international games in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Style of play
Carroll has been compared to Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, and also to former Newcastle and Everton striker Duncan Ferguson due to his skill in the air.He is referred to as a classic No. 9 centre forward, owing to his strength, powerful shot, and excellent heading ability. Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan stated "he is probably in the top three headers of a ball I have ever seen in football".
After Newcastle's game at home to Blackpool, Ian Holloway, Blackpool manager, described Carroll as the best striker in the Premier League.
Personal life
Born in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, Carroll attended Brighton Avenue Primary School and Joseph Swan School.
Carroll and his ex-girlfriend have a daughter, born 15 September 2009.
Discipline
Carroll has been involved in many off-the-pitch incidents in his career. On 14 September 2008, he was arrested by police in Newcastle, and later accepted a police caution.On 7 December 2009, he was arrested in the aftermath of a nightclub fight, again in Newcastle, accused of smashing glass in a man's face. He was charged with assault and in October 2010 he pleaded guilty to common assault and was fined £1,000. He was also ordered to pay £2,500 compensation.
He was also involved in an incident on the training ground which allegedly left teammate Steven Taylor with a broken jaw though no charges were filed according to police. Carroll reportedly suffered a broken hand in the incident, and he was shortly photographed in a pop concert with bandages to both hands. Newcastle manager Chris Hughton and club representatives declined to comment any further on the incident.
On 18 October 2010, Carroll was charged with in an incident with a former girlfriend. Claiming self-defence, and having given a local hotel as his address, Carroll was granted bail on the condition that he resides with Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan until the case resumes in January. The charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence. Two days following his bail, Carroll's car was set on fire whilst parked on Nolan's driveway, with the club captain's garage door also being daubed with obscenities.
Whilst on international duty, Carroll, Scott Sinclair and Ryan Bertrand were sent home from the England U-19s squad after breaking a curfew on 14 October 2007 during preparation for a match against Romania U-19s.
Personal information
Full name: Andrew Thomas Carroll
Date of birth: 6 January 1989 (1989-01-06) (age 22)
Place of birth: Gateshead, England
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Playing position: Striker
Club information
Current club: Liverpool
Number: 9'
Youth career
2005–2006 Newcastle United
Senior career*
2006–2011 Newcastle United 80 (31)
2007–2008 → Preston North End (loan) 11 (1)
2011– Liverpool 0 (0)
National team‡
2007–2008 England U19 8 (4)
2009–2010 England U21 5 (2)
2010– England 1 (0)