19 November 2007
VIDEO: Peter Crouch press conference
England striker Peter Crouch talks to the media ahead of the clash with Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday night.

England

v

Croatia

 

UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 21 November 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC



England striker Peter Crouch insists England will be going all out for a victory to book a place place at next summer's European Championship when they face Croatia this week.

A point will secure England's passage to Austria and Switzerland but Crouch, who scored England's winning goal in Friday's 1-0 friendly win over Austria in Vienna, wants a win and is undaunted by the prospect of possibly having to play up front on his own on Wednesday.

Injuries to fellow forwards Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney have restricted Head Coach Steve McClaren's striking options.

Tottenham's Darren Bent was drafted into the squad on Sunday, but Liverpool forward Crouch is most likely to be employed as a lone striker against Croatia, a role is he more than comfortable with.

"I feel that I've played enough games for England now to accept that responsibility if selected," he said.

"If it is the case of playing up front on my own I've done it enough times for my club and for my country now. I'll accept that and we've got enough attacking players in the squad who can link up and join in, so it shouldn't be a problem."

Crouch is also relishing the opportunity to put a troublesome qualifying campaign behind him and said that the mood in the camp is an extremely positive one after Israel's win against Russia on Saturday.

He added: "We've stayed positive throughout the campaign when we've had good results and bad ones, but since we've been together this week, we have all believed that Israel would get a result.

"They have done that and now we are looking forward to Wednesday and we are going to prepare for it well.

"I certainly believe that we can do the business come Wednesday. It is going to be a huge game, but it is a chance for the whole squad to go through to the European Championships.

"I don't think we'll go in with anything other than a positive mentality. It is going to be a great occasion with it being at home.

"The atmosphere is going to be great and the boys are all looking forward to it and we'll certainly be going for the win."