Many felt he was dropped from the squad because he was set for a full England call up ... but that didn't happen.
Stuart Pearce: "There was no room for Andy Carroll in the (Under-21) squad.
"I've shown loyalty to the three that have done well for me.
"We've had a fantastic squad situation here. I wanted three strikers in my squad, and the three strikers I've got in at the moment have done extremely well for me.
"I have not spoken to Andy. Andy will have a big future in international football. Whether that will be in the next squad, I don't know.
"You have to go through the Under-21s first. He is of that age group, and we try to give the players a rounded education at Under-21 and Under-19 level, so when they step on the pitch, like James Milner, they have tournament experience, and step out on the senior stage like a duck to water.
"It is easy to sit back and make gut reactions without actually knowing the full facts and the development of players.
"I watch four or five matches a week, and I will pick a squad accordingly to try and get the Under-21s to the finals next summer."