Andy Carroll performs headstand in Dubai with West Ham star on World Cup standby

By David Kent

Published: 05:07 EST, 16 May 2014 | Updated: 09:16 EST, 16 May 2014

Andy Carroll may only be on Roy Hodgson's standby list for the World Cup, but the West Ham striker is doing all he can to keep in good nick ahead of the tournament.

Carroll will only represent the Three Lions in Brazil should Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck or Rickie Lambert sustain an injury.

But that hasn't stopped the old-fashioned centre-forward retaining his fitness while holidaying in Dubai.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch behind-the-scenes footage with Andy Carroll in the gym

On top of the world: England's standby striker Andy Carroll performs a headstand in Dubai on Friday

On top of the world: England's standby striker Andy Carroll performs a headstand in Dubai on Friday

Picture that: Andy Carroll and Billi Mucklow in Dubai
Ready to go: Carroll performs yoga earlier in the week

Picture that: Carroll, performing yoga earlier in the week, is on standby for Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad

The former Liverpool and Newcastle striker took part in a yoga session earlier this week, before performing a rather impressive headstand on Friday. The 25-year-old later claimed he held the position for 6 minutes and 31 seconds.

His girlfriend, and star of The Only Way Is Essex, Billi Mucklow posted the holiday snap to Twitter before writing: 'Wish my boyfriend would just sunbathe like a normal person.'

But with the striker, known for his aerial ability – indeed, 14 of his 29 Premier League career goals have come via his head - shouldn't that be the area of his body he would be trying to protect? 

Heads, you win: Fourteen of Carroll's 29 Premier League goals have been scored with his head - here he is pictured earlier this season scoring against Sunderland

Heads, you win: Fourteen of Carroll's 29 Premier League goals have been scored with his head - here he is pictured earlier this season scoring against Sunderland

 

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He's a good player. Roy should call him up to give England another more direct option when its needed.... And it will be needed.

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Maybe he should try that pose in the opposing goal area... May even score gaol or two !!

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Wurzel Gummidge has more ball-control . . .and brain-power

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The hardest working head in the Premier League! Enjoy Dubai.

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One word - fit

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Still strange that Wellbeck got picked...

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Totally agree but not over Carroll he is no better Defoe was a better bet

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Andy Carrot

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Daily Carroll

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Love Andy Carroll "why aye man, am gannin t'Dubai pet to stand on me heed.......mint"

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Still can't believe that Liverpool paid £35m for this guy.

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i dont know if that better or worse than the 15 million we got for Allen ... bless them .

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or the 20M for Downing.

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