Crouch: Michael and I can play again for England

WORTH A PUNT ... Peter Crouch is delighted Michael Owen signed for Stoke

PETER CROUCH claims his double act with Michael Owen could still perform at the highest level.

And he refuses to rule out a sensational England reunion if Three Lions legend Owen returns to his best at the Britannia.

The pair scored 16 goals in 16 games in tandem for England and Crouch said: “If Michael stays fit he will score.

“If he’s playing regularly for Stoke and scoring in the Premier League, I don’t see why he can’t force his way into the England set-up.

“Stoke’s profile is about to be raised just by the fact Michael is here and the gaffer has made a lot of shrewd summer signings.

“The future looks bright and, if we’re scoring regularly in the Premier League for a successful team, why shouldn’t we be considered again?”

With Wayne Rooney and Andy Carroll crocked, there was widespread surprise Crouch, 31, was not called up by England boss Roy Hodgson for the double-header against Moldova and Ukraine.

But it was no shock to the 6ft 7in striker. He admitted: “To be honest I’ve taken my eye off
England now a little bit. I’m just concentrating on doing well for Stoke, the rest takes care of itself.

“I’m playing well and I’ve scored in my last couple of games. I play most weeks and I’m really enjoying my football again. Michael coming here is another step forward.

“I’ll just continue to enjoy it. If the England call comes, great. If not, I’ve got Stoke to concern myself with.”

Scoring goals was never a concern for Crouch whenever he teamed up with Owen, 32.

They first paired up in England’s 3-2 win over Colombia in New York in March 2005 — and hit it off instantly.

Crouch recalled: “I made my England debut in that match, up front with Michael, and he scored a hat-trick. I set up a couple and we just clicked straight away.

“The fact we’re so different is definitely a strength of ours — it’s the old Little and Large act. Whenever I’ve played with that sort of striker — Jermain Defoe, Kevin Phillips or Michael — it’s always gone well.

“He was in on Thursday for his first day of training and I have to admit he looked very sharp for someone who has been out for so long.

“If we get a fit Michael Owen on a free, it’s some deal isn’t it?”