Source: team_talk
Crouch aims to impress Hodgson
Peter Crouch believes Roy Hodgson should consider partnering him with Michael Owen for England if they are both scoring regularly for Stoke.
Owen joined the Potters as a free agent earlier this week after being released by Manchester United at the end of last season, and Crouch is backing him to make a big impact at the Britannia Stadium.
Crouch still has international ambitions of his own and hopes to link up effectively with Owen at club level to provide Hodgson with a reminder of both of their qualities.
"If Michael stays fit he will score," Crouch said in the Sun Sunday. "If he's playing regularly for Stoke and scoring in the Premier League, I don't see why he can't force his way into the England set-up.
"Stoke's profile is about to be raised just by the fact Michael is here and the gaffer has made a lot of shrewd summer signings.
"The future looks bright and, if we're scoring regularly in the Premier League for a successful team, why shouldn't we be considered again?"
Crouch was not selected for Euro 2012 and missed out on a place in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, but he insists his main focus is on Stoke.
He explained: "To be honest I've taken my eye off England now a little bit. I'm just concentrating on doing well for Stoke, the rest takes care of itself.
"I'm playing well and I've scored in my last couple of games. I play most weeks and I'm really enjoying my football again. Michael coming here is another step forward.
"I'll just continue to enjoy it. If the England call comes, great. If not, I've got Stoke to concern myself with."
Crouch and Owen scored 16 goals between them in 16 games together for England, starting with a 3-2 win over Colombia in March 2005.
Crouch recalled: "I made my England debut in that match, up front with Michael, and he scored a hat-trick. I set up a couple and we just clicked straight away.
"The fact we're so different is definitely a strength of ours - it's the old Little and Large act. Whenever I've played with that sort of striker - Jermain Defoe, Kevin Phillips or Michael - it's always gone well.
"He was in on Thursday for his first day of training and I have to admit he looked very sharp for someone who has been out for so long.
"If we get a fit Michael Owen on a free, it's some deal isn't it?"
