[Joe]

Peter Crouch answered some of his critics yesterday and gave England camp a boost before they travel to Germany for the World Cup.

The Liverpool striker scored three goals and missed a penalty in England 6-0 victory over Jamaica at Old Trafford yesterday. He has made it almost impossible for Eriksson to leave him out of Englands first group match against Paraguay next week.

Eriksson commented after the game how he was impressed by not only the striker’s performance but also his contribution against Jamaica.

Sven said “Peter Crouch had a fantastic game, playing as first striker or link player, he won almost everything in the air and scored goals.

"I think he will start next Saturday. I think he deserves it.

"It would be difficult to leave him out after scoring a hat-trick and the performance he had today.

"The only thing I would criticise him about a little bit is how he took the penalty. It was a golden opportunity but he joked about it and was sorry afterwards.

"He should have taken it seriously, you can miss them, but don't take them that way.

"If it was a penalty shoot-out I doubt he would have taken it in that way - I certainly hope not."

[Don Juan]

Sven hasn't given himself much option anyway. Crouch was always going to have a role to play in the group stges while Wayne Rooney is injured.

[The Guv'nor]

he might look like a two legged giraffe, but he knows where the goal is. at least he can finish all the chances Becks and co. will create

[God]

The big man will do the business for us. Defenders are not sure how to play him. They can't beat him in the air, they can't get near the ball when he has it and usually end up fouling him.

Up steps Beckham he shoots or crosses and we are 1-0 up.

I think he could be more important than Rooney if he can win us those precious free kicks from good areas.

C'MON CROUCHIE