Although Alan Shearer openly admitted he wouldn't have Andy Carroll in his European Championships squad if HE was England boss, the Toon legend says Roy Hodgson must play to his strengths.
Despite a turbulent year and a half since becoming the most expensive English player of all time, Liverpool striker Carroll is in line to spearhead his country's assault on Euro 2012.
And Shearer, who briefly managed Carroll at Newcastle, said: "The ability's there. I saw that at Newcastle.
"He's had an in-and-out season but, for the last month, you've probably seen more of what Andy Carroll is about."
Later last season Liverpool finally took advantage of his aerial ability, but pumping balls high into the penalty area is NOT the Liverpool way ... and the reason so many Reds supporters don't see the Geordie boy as a future hero.
However, Shearer believes England can only do well in Euro 2012, providing Carroll with the same service.
Shearer: "If you've got him in your team, you've got him in your team for one reason, and that is to get balls into the box.
"Because, if you get the right balls in, not many people will be able to stop him.
"If you do that, he'll score goals, whether that's at club level or international level."