Crouch Ready To Start For England At World Cup

Peter Crouch’s fairytale football career continues unabated as his goal against Hungary for England this week looks to have secured him a starting berth for his country alongisde Michael Owen at the World Cup in Germany.

The Liverpool man marked his second half substitute appearance with the third goal in England’s 3-1 victory and has spoken out about his desire to show what he can do on the world’s biggest international football stage.

“I think everyone who starts that game, or is involved in that game, will try to push for a starting place at the World Cup,” Crouch said at an England press conference, televised by Sky Sports News.

“All I can do is play to the best of my ability and get into that starting 11.”

Injury to England’s star man Wayne Rooney has left the path clear for the 6ft 7in 25 year old but Crouch is completely realistic about where his own World Cup chances are coming from.

“If he’s (Rooney) fit and Michael’s fit I’m sure they’d play ahead of me, but all I can do when given a chance is try to impress,” said Crouch.

“My England debut and the FA Cup final have been the proudest moments of my career so far but to start for England at the World Cup would be a great honour.”

Whether Crouch gets a chance to repeat his now famous robot dance after scoring in the World Cup proper is up to Sven Goran Eriksson and the speed of Wayne Rooney’s recovery from his metatarsal injury but it’s looking increasingly likely that Peter Crouch will be given the nod come June 10th and he is more than looking forward to it.

“I’d love to play but it’s up to the manager. I’m hopeful because I’d love to start and I’ve played with Michael before and it’s gone well. Hopefully it can happen again.

“I won’t be devastated if I’m not in the team but I’m sure I’ll play some part.”