Carroll has scored twice in his five England Under-21 appearances

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifiers with an ankle injury.

Carroll, 21, will miss England's trip to Portugal on Friday, as well as the match against Lithuania in Colchester on Tuesday, 7 September.

Since making his under-21 debut in August 2009, the forward has scored twice in his five appearances.

Gateshead-born Carroll has netted four goals in three games this season.

Carroll has been in impressive early season form for the Magpies following their return to the Premier League, with a hat-trick against Aston Villa the highlight of a bright start for both club and player.

It follows his emergence as a first-team regular last season, netting 19 goals to help the club win the Championship title.

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