Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is being backed by Steven Gerrard to fill the England void left by Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney.

Rooney is suspended for the France and Sweden matches and Gerrard says Liverpool team-mate Carroll can lead England's attack in his absence.

"I hope he can help make up for losing Wayne," said the England skipper. "We'll have to wait and see what the manager goes with formation wise and personnel.

"But if Andy was to bring his form for Liverpool over the last couple of months to the international stage, it would be a big plus.

"Because when he's in that form and he plays with that intensity, sharpness and directness, he can be unplayable.

"That's the reason we signed him because we saw some of that at Newcastle.

"He's come into form and, if he can maintain that, it can only be a positive for the national team."