Crouch the man for Eriksson, says Benitez
May 2 2006
By Ian Doyle, Daily Post
RAFAEL BENITEZ believes Peter Crouch has the temperament to lead England's forward line in next month's World Cup.
With Wayne Rooney out for six weeks with a broken metatarsal and Michael Owen having only just recovered following four months out with a similar injury, Sven-Goran Eriksson could be without his two first-choice strikers for the start of the tournament.
Although, barring any further setbacks, Owen is expected to feature, the Newcastle United striker will not be fully match fit while England are not anticipating Rooney to be available until the knockout stages in Germany.
That could open the way for Liverpool forward Crouch to step into the breach having made a goalscoring contribution in his last appearance for England in the 2-1 friendly win over Uruguay in March.
And Crouch's club manager Benitez has backed the 25-year-old to play a part for his country, with England's first group game against Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10.
"I think Crouch is a very good player," said Benitez. "What we must remember is how he dealt with things when he went all those games without scoring a goal.
"People were talking and talking but he continued working hard and playing well and he has scored 12 goals this season. He has enough quality and experience for England.
"He has the temperament, and he can handle the responsibility. He has confidence in himself."
Crouch is certain to make Eriksson's 23-man party for the World Cup, with the Swede naming a provisional squad next Monday. Darren Bent of Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe are England's other main striking options.
Meanwhile, Benitez has moved to praise the unsung contribution of full-back Steve Finnan.
The Republic of Ireland international was last week overlooked by his fellow professionals who named Pascal Chimbonda at right-back in the PFA's representative team of the year.
But Benitez said: "We have a lot of good players playing well this season. Sometimes we don't talk about players like Finnan, Xabi or Kewell.
"Finnan is always playing at a good level, sevens and eights and sometimes nines.
"It is very important for a team to have a player like him.
"He is fantastic for us and understands the tactics. If you say to me will you sign another right-back, I'd say I was really happy with Finnan."
