Peter Crouch vents frustration at limited England role

Crouch made an instant impression after scoring as a substitute against France

Peter Crouch says he feels like a "last resort" as an England striker but has vowed to battle for his starting place.

The Spurs star has struggled to impress England boss Fabio Capello despite 22 goals in 42 games for his country.

"Throughout my England career it's been the same. I always seem to be the last resort," he said after scoring as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by France.

"I've enjoyed every minute and whenever I've been called upon, I've never let anyone down. I'll continue to do that."

Crouch scored a late consolation goal for England in Wednesday's friendly with his first touch after replacing the injured Steven Gerrard in the 84th minute at Wembley.

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It was little reward for England after a miserable display against the French, but the impressive volley was the 29-year-old's 22nd international goal after only 19 starts, although he has only scored one league goal for Spurs this season.

It also took him to joint-15th on the England all-time goalscoring list.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to get on at one stage but, when you are given the nod, you try and make an impact. The biggest impact is scoring so I was obviously pleased to get one," Crouch added.

"When called upon, I'll try and do as well as I can. I was disappointed with the result but, from my point of view, I can only do what I can."

Capello defends Gerrard decision

Crouch seemed set for a major role for this summer's World Cup after scoring in the 3-1 friendly win against Mexico in May, but was then only used as a late substitute against the USA and Algeria and did not even appear against Slovenia or Germany.

With Capello preferring Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe in South Africa and with the recent emergence of Newcastle's Andy Carroll as an attacking option, Crouch's international prospects do not appear to be too promising.

But the 6ft 7in forward insisted he was not too upset over his limited role under Capello.

"The manager's decision is his decision. All I can do is to try and make an impact and hopefully I've done that and given him something to think about," Crouch said.

"But I've never thought about giving it up. Of course not. I've had some fantastic times with England and I've been in and around it for five years now.

"I'm very proud to play for my country, if it is five minutes or 95 minutes. I'm pleased and privileged to be in this position."

Crouch's manager at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp, believes that is the right attitude for the striker to adopt.

"I don't think he should be cheesed off, Crouchy. I think he should be pleased to be in the squad," he said.

"If you'd said to Crouchy about eight years ago, 'You'll be coming on as sub for England', he'd have bitten your arm off. We can't be precious, can we?

"The manager gave Andy Carroll a chance because he's been playing well at Newcastle and he wanted to look at some new faces. In a few years' time, Peter won't be available; in three or four years' time, Andy Carroll will."

Despite the disappointing performance against France and the gloomy predictions regarding the England set-up, Crouch remained optimistic the team will improve.

"When you are losing, fans like to vent their frustration. But it was a young side and people will realise we were missing a lot of experienced internationals, and there were some positive performances from the young players," the former Liverpool and Portsmouth striker said.

"We have taken a lot of flak because it was a disappointing World Cup. We all held our hands up to that but there are great times ahead. There is some fantastic young talent and I think the future will be bright."

Meanwhile, England are looking for new opponents to fulfil a friendly fixture to be played in Denmark on 8 February after Argentina pulled out.

Argentina withdrew after the date had to be switched from Wednesday night to Tuesday because of the Denmark team's commitments.

"We are still looking to play in Denmark, on Tuesday February 8, and the opponents will be announced in due course," an FA spokesman said.