Source: Team_Talk
Crouch lauds Spurs team-mate King
Peter Crouch believes Tottenham team-mate Ledley King would be "a definite" for the World Cup if Fabio Capello were convinced by his fitness.[LNB] King's career has been hampered by a knee injury but his chances of being named in Tuesday's 30-man provisional squad were boosted after coming through three games in nine days.[LNB]Capello has to weigh up whether England can risk carrying King and captain Rio Ferdinand, who has struggled all season with back and groin injuries, in their final 23-man squad.[LNB]Crouch is convinced that if King can stay fit then there will be no better centre-back at the World Cup.[LNB]"Ledley is a fantastic player and if fit he would be a definite," said Crouch.[LNB]"Obviously the manager has to weigh up whether he can take him to the World Cup and if he is fit enough.[LNB]"He has played three games in nine days and I don't think he was feeling that bad. He would have more rest at the World Cup.[LNB]"Ledley has had a really good end to the season, he has been fantastic. When he is fit I think he has got to be one of the best centre-halves in the world.[LNB]"It is a real shame with his injury problems otherwise I think he would have gone on to be the world's best but they held him back a touch.[LNB]"I don't want to tell the manager what to do, the manager will have his own ideas, but in my opinion he is a fantastic centre-half.[LNB]"On his day, when he is fit, there is no-one better."[LNB]Crouch would appear to be a certain selection following an impressive season, which saw him score 12 goals for Tottenham and six in his last six England appearances.[LNB]But he said: "In my last performance for England I got a couple of goals and I feel I have had a good enough season but it won't be until that squad is announced that the nerves subside.[LNB]"The manager is not one for showing who he favours and who he wants to play. Everyone is guessing who he is going to play and who he is going to take.[LNB]"I don't think you can second guess the man."[LNB]Crouch's confidence is sky high after heading the goal against Manchester City which clinched Tottenham Champions League qualification.[LNB]Spurs' Barclays Premier League performance could well be reflected in tomorrow's squad with Crouch, King, Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Michael Dawson all being talked about.[LNB]"We have a good nucleus of English players at Tottenham which is obviously good for the national team, playing together week in and week out," said Crouch.[LNB]"We finished fourth and full of confidence and that is obviously a good thing for the national team."[LNB]Crouch would love to re-enact his famous robot-dance goal celebration at the World Cup - but he dare not do it until the final in case Capello disapproves.[LNB]Crouch dusted off his old moves for some schoolchildren today and laughed: "I can't believe what I have started![LNB]"I know a lot of people love it but I am not sure how well it will go down with the manager.[LNB]"I can't do it in the semis or the quarters because there is a chance of getting dropped. If I get a goal with the last kick of the World Cup final then I will see what I can do!"[LNB]:: Crouch was watching schoolchildren practice for their attempt to break the world record for robot-dancing at Stamford Bridge on Monday May 17, ahead of the ESFA Danone Nations Cup final, a scheme designed to encourage youngsters to get active.[LNB]
