Peter Crouch has revealed the goal scoring pressure he is under for England.
Striker admits goalscoring pressure
Peter Crouch will spearhead England's attack in the crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday and he has revealed the goal scoring pressure he is under.
The Liverpool striker has struggled to make an impact at club and international level this season despite being a regular on the scoresheet.
Crouch netted his 13th goal in 23 England appearances in Friday's 1-0 win over Austria, but he would still not have been guaranteed a place in Steve McClaren's fully fit first XI for the meeting with Croatia at Wembley.
However with Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney sidelined with injuries, Crouch is set to lead the line in a game where England need only to avoid defeat to progress to next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Competition
And Crouch recognises the pressure is on for him to make an impact.
"Sometimes I do feel like I need to score five," said Crouch.
"There have been a few times when I have scored a couple of goals at club level and my place still is not assured, whereas at other places maybe it would be.
"We have a lot of competition for places at Liverpool and England as well. All I can do is perform to the best of my ability and score goals when I can. Thankfully, I have done that and long may it continue."
Fantastic
Crouch has also given his backing to David Beckham, whose place in the England midfielder has been questioned following the impressive form of Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"David Beckham is a fantastic player," added Crouch.
"If you have someone like that in the side, I know I just need to get in the box because if he can find half a yard, he is going to whip a cross in.
"He is still one of the best at delivering set-pieces or out wide and for someone like myself, who scores the majority of goals from crosses, he is certainly a player to have."
