30 May 2005
Peter Crouch: Exclusive

The Southampton striker on the disappointment of missing out on Saturday and his hopes of playing against Colombia.


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Peter Crouch should make a belated debut for the Three Lions against Colombia in New Jersey on Tuesday after proving his fitness in training.

The Southampton striker was due to play against the United States on Saturday but injured his ankle in England’s final training session and missed out.

But he has had round-the-clock treatment and looks like starting in the England attack alongside Michael Owen, who joined up with the squad last night along with Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham.

Crouch said: "I had doubts about whether I would make it or not, but I’ve come through training fine. I will put ice on the ankle again but I am sure I will be fit.

"This is a big lift for me because I was devastated on Friday. It is not every day you get a chance to make your England debut and to miss out against America was a big blow."

"Psychologically it was devastating. I was named in the starting eleven and then ruled out because of a silly little injury in training."

But even so Crouch admits he has appreciated the experience of being on tour with England. "I’ve really enjoyed the training, there’s been a real buzz about it. A lot of the lads know each other from the Under-21 set up, so I’ve settled in well and enjoyed it.

"That part has been going well for me and the next step up is to do well in the games."

He knows that there is a very different atmosphere around the squad from the situation he was in with Southampton, who are starting to come to terms with relegation.

"It’s a nice change. At Southampton we were involved in a dogfight, but here you can enjoy your football."

He’s already been receiving more messages of encouragement after his initial call-up congratulations.

"I’ve had a lot of messages - some congratulating me for being called up, and other commiserating for the injury. There were a lot from well-wishers.

"Missing out was a massive disappointment, but hopefully I can now be involved against Colombia to make up for it."