Crouch: Warnock can solve crisis

(GSM) – Stephen Warnock has been backed to solve England’s left-back crisis by his England teammate Peter Croutch. Crouch said that Aston Villa’s Warnock is the best man to solve Fabio Capello’s selection crisis ahead of the World Cup.

Fabio Capello has a serious problems in selecting his defenders for the World Cup. As the summer approaches, Ashley Cole faces a race to recover his full fitness after breaking his ankle. Meanwhile, second-choice left-back Wayne Bridge has made himself unavailable in the wake of the John Terry saga.

Warnock and Everton’s Leighton Baines are almost certain to be selected for Wednesday’s friendly against Egypt. However, it is Warnock who is understood to be in pole position to make the starting line-up.

And having played with Warnock at Liverpool, Crouch believes the Aston Villa full-back would be up to the expectations in the England shirt, labeling him as a “great left-back”.

“Stephen is a fantastic player,” the Tottenham and England striker told skysports.com. “I think he is a great left-back and if he gets his chance I am certain he won’t let anyone down.

“Obviously, with Ashley being out and if Bridgey is not involved, Stephen Warnock will be a fantastic replacement.

“For me he has got everything that a left-back should have. He can get up and support play and has a fantastic left foot.

“He can also defend and he does not shirk a tackle. He has a lot of attributes that a left-back should have.”

Crouch added, “Credit to him, he is a wholehearted defender as well as a good football player.”