Sven backs Crouch
Wednesday, 28 September, 2005
Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Liverpool's Peter Crouch can force his way into the England team.
England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Peter Crouch can force his way into the England squad on a regular basis.
The former Southampton and Aston Villa striker, who joined Liverpool for £7m last summer, made his international debut during England's tour of the United States and Eriksson was impressed with what he saw.
"Peter Crouch signed for Liverpool and that was a very big step for him, but he has shown he was ready for it," said Eriksson.
"He started well, then was injured but has done well again since coming back into the team. He certainly gives something completely different for a manager.
"He wins everything up in the air and for such a tall man, he has a very good touch on the floor."
Crouch scored 16 goals for relegated Southampton last season and made his full England debut in the 3-2 win over Colombia, where he helped set up one of Michael Owen's three goals.
Eriksson believes the door is still open for players to emerge as challengers for a place in the final squad by virtue of their performances over the course of the season.