Crouch Ready for England Start

Forget about Peter Crouch making up the squad numbers in South Africa the striker should be starting alongside Wayne Rooney.

The beanpole forward climbed off the bench at half-time against Egypt at Wembley last Wednesday and lit up a lack-lustre England display.

The Three Lions were trailing 1-0 to the African Nations Cup holders before Capello rung the changes at the interval.

Crouch replaced Tottenham team-mate Jermain Defoe and 45 minutes later England had won 3-1 with Crouch collecting two more goals.

His first was a crisp finish after a delightfully move and his second was decent finish, even though he did look marginally offside.

It took Crouch to 20 goals in 37 games for this country, more than the great Dixie Dean and enough to put him joint 18th in the all-time list.

His goal tally alone should make sure he's in the provisional England squad named in May, but the former Liverpool man now warrants a start against the USA in the first group game in June.

His finishing in an England shirt has been fantastic and the idea Crouch is solely a player to bring on if things are not going to plan is one that should be cast aside.
True, Crouch can give you another dimension with his height, but he's also a terrific footballer with the ball on the floor.

After Defoe had struggled to develop an understanding with Rooney in the first half, Crouch arrived and his link-up play with the Manchester United man was world class.
Crouch has been criticised in the past for his lack of goals against top-class international opposition, but he can only score in the games he's picked for and he should be given a chance in South Africa.

England are currently third favourites in the World Cup 2010 betting and they will need their strikers to be in top form if they are to win the competition.

Meanwhile, those punters who have decided to have a Cheltenham bet this year will probably find their attention drawn to the Gold Cup, a race that sees Denman and Kauto Star go head to head once again.