England manager Roy Hodgson has told Southampton striker Rickie Lambert he must keep scoring goals if he wants to build on his "fairytale" international debut against Scotland.
.
The 31-year-old, who has steadily climbed the leagues during a meandering career, came off the bench after 66 minutes of Wednesday's friendly at Wembley and headed home the decisive goal in a 3 2 win with his very first touch.
.
It completed an extraordinary rise for a player who has played just one season in the Premier League, but with rival strikers hoping to return from injury in time for September's World Cup qualifiers, Hodgson says the Liverpudlian cannot rest on his laurels.
.
"He's been a breath of fresh air while he's been with us – so enthusiastic, so happy to be a part of the squad – and what a wonderful story that he's now crowned it with the winning goal," said Hodgson, who described Lambert's achievement as a "fairytale".
.
"Obviously there might be a bit more competition the next time. Daniel Sturridge is hopefully back playing.
.
I read he had 45 minutes or so behind closed doors today (Wednesday).
.
"Andy Carroll is not so far away from fitness. We'll see what happens in the next three weeks, but he won't be struck off my list very lightly.
.
"It's now up to him in the next three weeks to go out for Southampton and continue doing what he did last year: playing well and helping his team, but perhaps more importantly, putting the ball in the back of the net, because that's what we know Rickie Lambert can do."
.
England twice came from behind to level before Lambert's 70th-minute winner, with goals from Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck cancelling out long- range efforts from James Morrison and Kenny Miller.
.
Hodgson praised his side's doggedness and expressed satisfaction with the performance of Wayne Rooney, who played for 66 minutes after sitting out Manchester United's pre-season campaign with hamstring and shoulder injuries.
Goals are always very much important when it comes to football. Without goals, there is no way u can claim u're a stricker!