Johnson injury gives Crouch opportunity

PETER CROUCH was the obvious man to benefit as England lost striker Andrew Johnson for their Euro 2008 qualifiers against FYR Macedonia and Croatia.

Head coach Steve McClaren was giving serious consideration to pairing Johnson with Wayne Rooney, who is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.

However, a hamstring injury Johnson sustained in the last minute of Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday has ruled out the 25-year-old.

Now Crouch, who has scored 11 goals in 14 England appearances, seems certain to start alongside Rooney in Saturday’s international against Macedonia at Old Trafford.