Crouch backs Shawcross to shine for England

Peter Crouch insists Stoke City team-mate Ryan Shawcross has all the attributes to be a hit for England.

The Three Lions face what should be a straightforward test at Wembley on Friday when they host San Marino in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, before a trickier away tie in Poland next Tuesday.

Crouch believes his current club captain, who will become the first Stoke player to win an England cap since Mark Chamberlain in 1984 if he features, has earned a call-up with his recent form, stating the 25-year-old will not disappoint.

“Everyone here is buzzing for Ryan,” the 31-year-old told The Sentinel. “People have been talking about him for England for a number of years now; he has been so consistent.

“He and Robert Huth at the back have been first class for us and I think it was only a matter of time before Ryan got in there.

“Hopefully he will get a chance because if he does he won’t let anyone down.

“I have played with him for a couple of seasons now, and he has all the attributes to be a top defender.

“He is strong, good in the air, reads the game well and his distribution is good.”

Crouch missed out on a spot in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad after reportedly refusing to be placed on the stand-by list following his exclusion from the initial selection, and stressed that he is currently focused on life at the Britannia.

“I will just enjoy playing for Stoke. I am loving it at the minute,” the former Tottenham player said.

“I will continue to do as well as I can for Stoke, and if anything else happens then great.”