Fans will understand value of Crouch - Eriksson

Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England fans will soon begin to understand why he has stuck by Peter Crouch.

The Liverpool striker recently ended his scoring drought for his club and his two goals against Deportivo Saprissa on Thursday saw the Reds reach the final of the Club World Championship in Japan, where they will play Sao Paulo tomorrow.

And Eriksson claims it is only a matter of time before England fans, some of whom booed him when he came on as a substitute in the final World Cup qualifier against Poland in October, learn to appreciate the beanpole striker.

“Peter’s a real team player, which the Liverpool fans have already recognised, and I’m sure England supporters will understand this – the more they see of him in an England shirt,” said Eriksson.

The England coach added: “It’s great to see Peter starting to score regularly. He’s taken a lot of unfair criticism since moving to Liverpool - despite playing very well.

“I know that like myself, Rafa Benitez has had complete faith in Peter’s ability to score goals, so it’s pleasing for everyone that he’s scored four goals in recent games.

“Peter contributes so much to any team, and particularly when he’s scoring goals he is a tremendous threat to any defence.

“I’ve been greatly impressed with the professional attitude he has maintained while he was waiting for the goals to come and he is such a likeable person who has a great spirit.

“He is a threat in the air or on the ground, and as we saw [on Thursday], capable of scoring very good goals.”

Eriksson wished Liverpool well for the final in Yokohama tomorrow, telling www.thefa.com: “I’ll be watching on Sunday morning and I will be keeping a close eye on Liverpool’s England players.

“I wish them luck and hope they can win the World Club Championship for English football.”