Source: Team_Talk
Crouch hoping to get nod from Capello
Tottenham's gangly goal-getter Peter Crouch claims he has done everything he possibly could to be a part of England's World Cup squad.[LNB] Crouch is hoping his performances for club and country will convince Fabio Capello to take him to South Africa this summer.[LNB]He took his goal tally for England to 20 in just 37 internationals with his double against Egypt at Wembley in their previous international in March.[LNB]And the striker also impressed for Tottenham and scored the decisive goal which secured them Champions League football for next season.[LNB]Capello may opt to take only four of the five forwards who have formed of his initial squad of 30 - currently involved in a training camp in Austria - which will be trimmed down to 23 on June 1.[LNB]But Crouch is hoping the Italian will look favourably on him even though he has often struggled to hold down a place in the starting line-up with Emile Heskey often preferred to partner Wayne Rooney.[LNB]He said: "The 30 has to be cut down and everyone is looking over their shoulder.[LNB]"I think all the training sessions are competitive when we come away with England but maybe a little bit more so at present. It has been very sharp.[LNB]"Everyone is fighting for their place and we are all trying to impress the manager in the training sessions and the games before the World Cup against Mexico and Japan.[LNB]"I would prefer all five strikers to go then I would be definitely be going."[LNB]Crouch added: "Do I expect to go to South Africa? I can't say that. But I've been pleased with the season at Spurs, felt I've done well personally.[LNB]"Being part of a successful team helps to catch the eye of people - and hopefully the manager's eye.[LNB]"The last England game was also great for me in scoring a couple of goals.[LNB]"I feel I've done everything I can, I'm full of confidence and, as long as I continue to do well and work hard this week, hopefully I'll have a good chance of making the squad."[LNB]Crouch averages better than a goal every other game for his country and admitted: "I am extremely proud of my goalscoring for England.[LNB]"I always feel confident when I put on an England shirt.[LNB]"I've scored goals, I've felt I've done well. We've got a lot of creative players who will create chances. They've been taken and hopefully that will continue to be the case."[LNB]Crouch also feels Rooney has dispelled any fears about his fitness during training in Austria after end-of-season groin problems at Manchester United.[LNB]He said: "Wayne has looked as sharp and keen as always. He is looking hungry as the rest of us do and I don't think there are any doubts about his fitness."[LNB]Crouch feels England will benefit from the altitude training they are undergoing in Austria.[LNB]He said: "We will have to adapt to it and all be ready for South Africa. It will be beneficial. We will have to adapt to the pitches, the balls, the teams we are playing.[LNB]"We have got masks we put on, breathing in an out for an hour a day, as well as training, so we will be well adapted to it by the World Cup. There will be no excuses.[LNB]"The air is a bit thinner but not too different to what we are used to."
