You are in > manchester.com  > News > Crouch ready for England call

General Sports News

Crouch ready for England call

06/10/2005

Peter Crouch has today insisted that he is ready and willing to take up the challenge of helping his country reach the World Cup finals in Germany.

The Liverpool striker is widely expected to partner Michael Owen up front on Saturday in England's World Cup qualifier against Austria, taking the place of the suspended Wayne Rooney.

And the 6ft 7ins striker is confident he will be able to slot into the team, despite having only brief experience of what international football is all about.

Crouch, 24, made his England debut during the end-of-season tour of the US against Colombia, having proved many of his doubters wrong with 16 goals for Southampton last season.

And after a £7 million summer move to Anfield, the man once seen as an Aston Villa flop is ready to prove his quality at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"This is a massive opportunity for me," he told reporters ahead of the crucial group six clash.

"If you can impress in these games then you've got a good chance of being involved at the World Cup. We all want to play in the big tournaments and hopefully I can do that.

He added: "I've always had belief that I could play at this level. At times, it was difficult when I was starting out. But I feel really confident now."

Crouch has not scored for Liverpool so far this season and some observers feel that Tottenham's Jermain Defoe would offer a better foil for Owen against Austria, but Jamie Carragher believes his Liverpool and England team-mate can offer something different.

"He brings a physical presence up front," said the defender, who is likely to take the place of the injured Ashley Cole on the left-hand side of defence.

"His height means he has got a great advantage over defenders but his first touch is outstanding."

England need a win against the Austrians and another victory at home to Poland four days' later to ensure their path to Germany.

© Adfero Ltd