Crouch backs Defoe partnership
Crouch scored the only goal in England's friendly win over Austria
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Published by Gibson Square, out November 15th, 204 pages, £12. |  |
Saturday, 17, Nov 2007 04:46
Peter Crouch is confident that he and Jermain Defoe can form an effective strike partnership in the final match of England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
The pair look likely to be given their chance against Croatia on Wednesday after Michael Owen joined Wayne Rooney on Steve McClaren's injured list, having picked up a thigh strain in the friendly win over Austria.
Although both are currently struggling to force their way into the first team at their respective clubs, they have played together at under-18 and under-21 international level and Crouch is optimistic that they can rekindle an understanding.
"Myself and Jermain have played together many times, through the England U18s and U21s, and right back then worked well together," he said.
"When Steve McClaren came in, right at the start of his reign we both got a couple of goals against Greece and, whenever I've played with him, it seems to have worked.
"It is the big man, little man combination. I've done it in partnership with Michael and Jermain as well and it does seem to work."
The duo also received the backing of midfielder Frank Lampard, who is in line for a recall after losing his place to Gareth Barry in recent matches.
"Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe is an ideal partnership on paper because you've got the big man with a lot more to his game and Defoe who is very sharp around the box," he said.
"He is the sort of man you would put your house onto score if he gets a sniff of goal. He is great to have in your team."
England will be counting on Israel to deny qualification rivals Russia victory in their group E clash this evening to ensure their hopes of making next summer's tournament are still alive when they step out at Wembley in midweek.