Kenny Dalglish has warned Fabio Capello that he needs to "be responsible" in not relying on Andy Carroll for England's internationals against Wales and Ghana.
Carroll has only just returned to fitness, and made his first Liverpool start on Thursday after suffering a thigh injury before he signed for £35 million in January. But the 22-year-old striker is set to be included in a probable 25-man squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff next Saturday and the friendly at home the following Tuesday.
Capello, the England manager, may give an opportunity to in-form Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, although he could also recall Stewart Downing or promote Jordan Henderson from the under-21s.
The Italian is unlikely to take any risks for the friendly match which is why he is choosing a larger than expected squad. However, he is keen to include Carroll against the Welsh with Peter Crouch, Darren Bent and Wayne Rooney also set to be included, which may spell bad news for Jermain Defoe.
Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, said of Carroll: "I don't know if Fabio wants to pick him or not, but there is no point in us being as guided as we have been in his recuperation and doing such a good job to get him to where he is now if someone else is going to waste all that.
"England have to be responsible with him. There is nothing we can do to stop them picking him, but common sense has to prevail. We fully understand somebody wanting to pick his best players for England, but they also have to understand the fact that he not really there yet for fitness."
Robert Green is likely to be selected as one of three goalkeepers, with David Stockdale missing out as he has not played for Fulham recently. Aaron Lennon is in line to play his first game for England since the World Cup, having being troubled with injury this season.
With Steven Gerrard injured, Capello is planning to give 19-year-old Jack Wilshere his first competitive start. John Terry is set to lead the side in the absence of Rio Ferdinand.
Capello has signalled that he intends to restore Terry to the role permanently, although sources have suggested that he would first test the reaction of the other players – and possibly the home support at Wembley. The match is sold out and Ghana will have 20,000 supporters. Capello has yet to talk to Ferdinand about his controversial decision.
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