He scored goals for fun for West Ham and England but is now playing in the sixth tier

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Playing for their country at a major tournament is often the peak of a footballer’s career, but sometimes, moving closer to home is the only option.

That recently proved to be the case for one former England international, who briefly enjoyed the dazzling heights of representing the Three Lions on the biggest of stages.

But after the pride often comes the fall. Over the last five years, the well-known player has bounced from club to club, failing to find stability.

He is now plying his trade back in the UK, but in the sixth tier.

That transfer came after he reportedly earned just over £1,000 a month for a recent club.

Andy Carroll playing for Dagenham & Redbridge

Andy Carroll scored 54 goals in his 248 Premier League appearances during spells with Newcastle United, Liverpool and West Ham United.

He was also rewarded with nine caps for England between 2010 and 2012, scoring two goals.

However, he is now on the books at non-league side Dagenham & Redbridge, having joined on a free transfer after he left Bordeaux at the end of last season.

Admitting he had wanted to be closer to his young children, Carroll returned to the UK and reportedly put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Handily, the now 36-year-old is no stranger to competing in the lower leagues, having played for Bordeaux in the French fourth tier after their relegation and loss of professional status.

Carroll was relatively successful for the club, scoring 11 times in 23 games before leaving in June. He is also said to have earned just £1,372 a month at Bordeaux, proving money really was no object.

Andy Carroll on joining Dagenham & Redbridge

Relishing the twilight of his glittering career, Carroll is prioritising spending more time with his family and playing as many minutes as he can.

“It doesn’t matter the level, or anything, as long as I get on the pitch and play football, that’s all that matters,” Carroll told Sky Sports on his decision to join Dagenham.

“Coming here and showing people I am just playing for the love of football rather than the money and the level is something I wanted to do.

“This is something which could be fantastic. We have a project to get them out of non-league and back up the leagues.”