Former England international Andy Carroll has revealed he initially agreed to play for Scotland before changing his mind at the last minute. The confession appears in his new autobiography, 'Owning it: In my own words'.
Carroll, who qualified for Scotland through his grandmother, said he was asked to play for the national team during qualifying for the 2008 European Championships, when Alex McLeish was manager. At the time, the teenager was at Newcastle United and had already represented England at Under-19 and Under-21 level.
A Last-Minute Change of Heart
Carroll said he said yes to playing for Scotland before giving it proper thought. He explained: "Being young and naive, I said yes, before actually giving it some proper thought. The idea of international football thrilled me, but I didn't feel Scottish in any way. I hadn't grown up dreaming of scoring in a World Cup final for Scotland."
He added: "I had dreamt about doing it for England. And 100 caps for Scotland wouldn't have meant anything compared to one cap for England. So just as I was about to get on the train to take me up to Glasgow, I rang Alex and told him I wasn't coming after all."
Scotland's Euro 2008 Campaign
That campaign saw Scotland beat France home and away and move into pole position to finish in one of the top two spots in Group B. However, a damaging loss away to Georgia and a late home defeat to Italy ended their hopes. McLeish left for Birmingham City at the end of that campaign.
Carroll's international dream came true a couple of years later when Fabio Capello called him up for England. The former Liverpool and West Ham United frontman went on to win nine caps and score two goals for England between 2010 and 2013.
No Regrets
Carroll said he has no regrets about his decision. He added: "England didn't come calling until 2010, but I am glad I waited. That was the right thing to do."
