1 June 2006
VIDEO: Peter Crouch Press Conference

Peter Crouch speaks to the press ahead of England's final warm-up game before they fly to Germany.


Peter Crouch says he will continue performing his ‘robotic’ dance if it helps England towards World Cup success in Germany.

Crouch displayed his new dance moves after scoring England’s third goal against Hungary, and has now become the talk of the nation.

The Liverpool striker was first seen doing the dance at David Beckham’s pre-World Cup party last week.

But after scoring a clinical goal at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, Crouch showed that the move could become his trademark at the World Cup if he continues to find the back of the net.

And after showing off his new moves to Prince William at the England team’s training camp in Manchester, Crouch says he will continue his celebrations if it helps team spirit through the competition.

Crouch said: "Prince William is the future king of England and I've done a dance in front of him. It's all a bit surreal.

"I don't know how the guys talked me into it to be honest. They were goading me quite a bit. He seemed quite happy and spoke to us after and he's looking forward to the World Cup as much as the rest of us.

"I got straight on the phone to my mum after meeting him. I just hope I haven't embarrassed her too much. She loves the Royal Family and I'm a big fan of them. It was a pleasure to meet him and the same goes for the rest of the lads.

"The dance celebration is just a bit of fun we've had between the lads that seems to have escalated a touch. The mood in the camp's good and you can see that.

"There's enough pressure on the lads without celebrations being pressurised as well. But if everyone's pleased with it and everyone finds it funny then I'm sure I'll keep on doing it.

"David Beckham told me his missus had seen the programme and thought it was hilarious and he kept it in and it seems to have gone down well in the squad.

"Everyone knows it's just a bit of harmless fun. The serious business is on the pitch and if we can get that right you're allowed to enjoy yourself as well. I'm not sure about doing break-dancing though! The robotics is enough for the minute."

Crouch feels the England squad have got a real togetherness going into such a big tournament and reveals it has helped him in his preparations for the World Cup.

The England players recently enjoyed a week together in Portugal and Crouch feels it has helped all the new players settle quickly into the pressures of playing for England.

Crouch added: "The trip we had in Portugal helped all the new lads get together and we all got on well. It shows there's a good team spirit.

"There's a lot of pressure on us going into the World Cup and we're just trying to relax in any way we can before such a big tournament.

"I feel really at home in the England set-up and it shows on the pitch. If you feel comfortable in your surroundings, I think you'll perform better on the pitch and that's definitely the case with myself.

"We all want to be starting in the World Cup and I'm no different. If I can do enough to get in the starting eleven that's my aim.

"There's one game to go so hopefully I can play some part in that and do the same again. It's up to the manager but I definitely won't sulk if I'm not in the starting eleven. I'm sure I'll play some part and when I do I'll be ready."

Crouch reveals he would love to partner Michael Owen in the England attack and show he is one of the best strikers in the English game.

Crouch said "Me and Michael have played together before and it has worked well. The first time was in the US and he managed to get a hat-trick, then I came off the bench against Argentina and linked up with him again.

"He's a top class player and I'm sure he's going to get goals in the World Cup. He's been England's main goal-scorer for a number of years now and if the manager feels I can help him to score goals I'll try to weigh in with my share as well.

"I go into games whole-heartedly. I've definitely developed my game in that way. I'm a lot more aggressive now when I play. You have to be, especially going into big games. You have to put yourself about especially when you're the size I am."