Crouch set to lead from the front

PETER CROUCH is convinced the wounds inflicted on England during a difficult Euro 2008 qualifying campaign will make the Three Lions a more formidable force should they eventually reach the finals next summer.

Crouch admitted the England camp flew home from Austria on Friday night split down the middle over the belief Israel would throw them a lifeline by getting a result against Russia 24 hours later.

Not only did Israel prevent Guus Hiddink’s side getting the win which would have effectively sealed England’s fate, Omer Golan’s injury-time effort means Crouch and his team-mates only require a draw against Croatia on Wednesday to seal their place in the last 16.

And Crouch is adamant his side can begin to punch their weight if they qualify, reinforced by recovering from the blows which threatened to flatten them.

“I think we have been a bit wounded by some of the results because we all recognise we are capable of a lot more,” he said.

“When we qualify, as I believe we will, I am sure we will come good.

“We spoke about it on the way home from Austria on Friday. Some of us thought Israel would get a result, others weren’t so sure.

“There was no way I wasn’t going to watch the game and thankfully Israel came up trumps for us. But I don’t want to keep referring back to what Israel have done. It is about what we do now. We have to stand up and be counted.”

With Michael Owen joining Wayne Rooney on the sidelines after picking up a thigh strain in Vienna, Crouch now looks set to be handed the lone front-man slot as McClaren threatens to field a five-man midfield.

“I do relish the responsibility,” he said.

“I have played that role plenty of times before in big games for Liverpool and England and have always managed to cope. I am sure I will again if selected on Wednesday.”

An obvious spin-off from a positive performance for Crouch would be a further hint to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that he is worth a regular place in the Reds starting line-up.

The 26-year-old has been restricted to just 13 appearances for the Anfield outfit this term, most as a substitute.

And, amid growing speculation Crouch will be sold during the January transfer window, the player revealed he does frequently feel he has something to prove.

“I always seem to have to try and prove myself,” he reflected.

“Although I guess it is the same with every other player when you are at a high level. At Liverpool and internationally as well, you have to prove yourself to stay in the team.”

Providing England complete the job all talk of Steve McClaren’s departure will cease.

In the build-up to last weekend’s drama, McClaren’s players lined up to defend their coach, who most pundits felt would be out of a job by the end of this week.

And Crouch has added his voice to those who feel the former Middlesbrough manager is the right man to take England forward.

“We all enjoy working with Steve,” he said.

“He is fantastic on the training ground and all the players are behind him.

“He has got us into a position where we can qualify and if we get through, everyone is confident we can have a great tournament.”