World Cup door still open for Crouch
Sep 23 2005
By Richard Williamson, Daily Post
LIVERPOOL striker Peter Crouch has been challenged to force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup line-up.
The England manager admits he has a good idea of the 23 players he would like to take to Germany if his side emerges successfully from the qualifying campaign.
But Eriksson also believes the door is still open for play-ers to emerge as challengers for a place in the final squad by virtue of their performances over the course of the season.
The Swede was at Anfield on Sunday, taking in the goalless draw between Liverpool and Manchester United, and has been impressed by the way 24-year-old Crouch has settled on Merseyside since his £7million move from Southampton.
"Peter Crouch signed for Liverpool and that was a very big step for him, but he has shown he was ready for it," said the England manager.
"He started well, then was injured but has done well again since coming back into the team.
"He certainly gives something completely different for a manager.
"He wins everything up in the air and for such a tall man, he has a very good touch on the floor."
Crouch scored 16 goals for relegated Southampton last year to catch the attention of Eriksson.
The 6ft 7in frontman was called up for the England tour to the United States in the summer, making his full debut in the 3-2 win over Colombia, where he helped set up one of Michael Owen's three goals.
