England striker Peter Crouch says he wants to be more than a super-sub at the World Cup and is desperate to force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson’s plans.
The towering Liverpool forward appeared as a goal-scoring substitute during Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Hungary, but admitted he was disappointed to be left out of the starting XI in the absence of Wayne Rooney.
”I want to do as much as I can to get into the starting XI and hopefully on Tuesday I pushed my claim a little bit more,” said Crouch.
”That’s definitely my aim. I wanted to make an impression and hopefully I’ve done that — and done enough to get a run in the team.”
Crouch went through a goal drought earlier in the season for club and country, and was even subjected to boos when he last appeared for England at Old Trafford in October’s qualifier against Poland.
Yet the skilful 6ft 7in striker has become a popular and valued member of Eriksson’s squad, giving England an aerial presence that many teams find awkward to defend against.
Although Crouch was unhappy not to start against Hungary, he said Eriksson’s ploy to move Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard into an advanced role behind Michael Owen had been a success.
”I was a touch disappointed not to start but the manager felt the plan was to play Steven off Michael and it worked well.
”Steven can play that role. I think it went quite well. Obviously for me, I was hoping I would be playing but I know what a top-class player Steven is and he’s been destroying teams with Liverpool this season.
”He is top class at it and Michael is a top-class player as well. Although I might have been disappointed, you could see the manager’s thoughts.
”Steven can play anywhere and be the best player on the pitch. He plays that attacking role so well and can score goals, but we’ve got Frank Lampard as well who can play that position.”
Crouch says he will head to Germany in the form of his life.
”This is the most confident I have been in my career. I felt great against Hungary. I wanted as much of the ball as I could get and I loved every minute of it and to score as well capped it off,” he said. — AFP
