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.