Confident Crouch ready to attack

Crouch has revelled in the attention placed upon him

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch insists he is confident of leading the England attack at the World Cup.

Crouch has been assured of a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson's line-up against Paraguay on Saturday after scoring a hat-trick against Jamaica last weekend.

And he told Five Live Sport: "I have never felt as confident as I feel now and I think that shows on the pitch.

"I had 11 wins on the bounce with Liverpool and won the FA Cup and now I feel at home in the England side."

The 25-year-old scored four goals in England's last two warm-up matches prompting Eriksson to start the forward up front.

Crouch added: "Sven and Rafael Benitez were top class with me and never doubted me for a second. The fact that I feel great now is a lot down to them.

I want to play in World Cups and European Championships Peter Crouch

"When I take to the pitch I feel confident and positive.

"I don't want to rest on my laurels being a striker with Liverpool and winning trophies. I want to play in World Cups and European Championships.

Crouch also highlighted his move from Southampton to the then European champions as a difficult step up in his career.

"It was frustrating and it took me too long to adjust, but halfway through the season it changed and once I got the first goal I became more confident and grew as a player."