Injured Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll withdraws from England U21 squad

Crocked: Andy Carroll has pulled out of the U21 squad Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has pulled out of the England Under 21 squad to face Portugal and Lithuania this week. The 20-year-old frontman, who has scored four goals in three games since Newcastle's return to the Barclays Premier League, is ruled out of Stuart Pearce's squad with an ankle injury. Carroll had been touted for a possible call-up to Fabio Capello's senior squad after making such an impressive impact, including a hat-trick in the 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa but he is the latest high profile casualty forced to pull out of this week's international duties. Wigan striker Victor Moses is already out of the Under 21 side's opening Euro 2011 qualifiers. Carroll was doubtful for Saturday's draw at Wolves after injuring his ankle in training last week, and he missed the final session on Friday before passing a late fitness test and scoring at Molineux. Manager Chris Hughton did substitute the striker for Shola Ameobi towards the end of the game, however.  Arsenal boss Wenger joins the fan club of Newcastle striker CarrollNewcastle striker Andy Carroll in race against time to be fit for Wolves clash  

Source: Daily_Mail