Crouch targets England recall

Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has spoken of his desire to return to the England squad in time for Euro 2012.

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Crouch fell out of favour with former England manager Fabio Capello, but now that the Italian has resigned, the forward hopes he can work his way back into the reckoning.

Speaking about his international future, Crouch said: “I’ve not been in the last few squads. Whoever takes over hopefully will start picking me again but it’s only what you do for your club that warrants getting in the England set-up again.”

“I’ve got to play well for Stoke, score goals and hopefully that will come.”

With this in mind, Crouch will have to focus on his Stoke form between now and the end of the season. He is unlikely to get into the squad for the friendly against Holland at the end of the month, so it is a case of forcing himself in by the summer.

The former Portsmouth man certainly has plenty of matches to impress, with the Potters in Europa League, FA Cup and Premier League action over the next few weeks.

Keeping focus on other England news for now though, there is still plenty of discussion about who the new captain should be. If Crouch does make it in, who will be his skipper?

Well, one man being backed is Manchester City and England keeper Joe Hart with Gareth Barry – who is also in contention to get the nod – giving his team-mate plenty of backing.

Barry said: “I’d give it to Joe, my friend. Harty has been fantastic all season. It wasn’t just against Villa that he’s made a world-class save, he’s done it in a few games. That is why he is being talked about as one of the best in the world.”

Fellow England and Manchester City man James Milner agrees, saying: “It’s nothing to do with me in terms of the decision. ”

“I’m sure he is going to be England’s number one for a long time, so he is as good a candidate to be captain as anyone.”

“He has been absolutely unbelievable for us this season. He’s a world-class goalkeeper, definitely one of the best I’ve played with, and he is going to get better and better as well.”

“But he is a great character, he talks, he is not afraid to say what he thinks.”

Crouch won’t worry too much about this though. He will just focus on getting himself back into the reckoning by scoring plenty of goals for Stoke City.