Crouch happy to play starring role for England

15 October 2009 10:08

Peter Crouch was a happy man after scoring twice in England's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win at home to Belarus.

The 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur frontman made the most of being handed a rare start, taking his tally for the national team to 18 goals in 35 appearances.

Afterwards, Crouch said: "It was very enjoyable.

"It is good to finish the qualifying campaign on a winning note at Wembley and take that into the World Cup. For me personally I was pleased to get a couple of goals.

"Have I given the manager a bit of food for thought? Yes. All I can do when given an opportunity is to try to take it and the goals help and, hopefully, my performance has given him something to think about.

"People keep asking me that question and I seem to always be saying that. I am pleased with the way it went against Belarus.

"But we have got some fantastic competition for places, certainly in the striking area and all I can do is to score goals and, hopefully, get a chance."

Head coach Fabio Capello added of the giants Spurs forward: "I know very well Peter Crouch, I know very well the other players.

"He is one part of the squad, not more.

"It will depend on the game we are playing and the style we want to play which players are on the pitch."

Source: DSG