Crouch thanks Redknapp for recall

Striker Peter Crouch believes his return to the England squad has much to do with Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp's man-management skills.

Crouch was not named in the squad for England's opening two wins of the Group Six qualifying campaign, but two goals in two games has earned him a recall.

"He builds up players' confidence," said Crouch of Redknapp's style.

"He tells you every day you can be a world beater and, eventually, you start to believe it."

Crouch, who is playing for Redknapp for the third time in his career, joined Portsmouth in a £11m summer transfer from Liverpool.

And after a slow start to the season the 27-year-old striker has scored two goals in his last two games.

606: DEBATE
Give your verdict on England's strikers?

"Harry Redknapp has been a big help to me," said Crouch, who has scored 14 times in 28 appearances for England.

"I've played for Harry before and I felt he had got the best out of me so that was one of the reasons I joined Portsmouth.

"I believe for the rest of the season he will get the best out of me and a lot in terms of my England recall is down to him."

In his final season at Liverpool, Crouch struggled to play regularly under Rafa Benitez but is confident his move to Portsmouth will help him cement his place in Fabio Capello's World Cup plans.

"I was in the first two squads the manager picked so it was obvious that he rated me otherwise I wouldn't have been in those squads," added Crouch.

"When I was left out I looked to myself - 'What am I doing wrong?' - and just tried to work hard.

"I always felt, given a run of games, I was confident enough. I could have stayed at Liverpool, maybe played in the odd game here and there, but I wanted to move on.

"I had faith in my ability and if I played every week, I could show I was worthy to be in the England set-up."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
England
Wales
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Scotland
Uefa
Fifa
Football on the BBC
Your say - 606 International football
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites