Tottenham striker Peter Crouch is hoping he has "staked a bit of a claim" to be at the forefront of England coach Fabio Capello's World Cup plans after continuing his prolific goalscoring form for his country.
Peter Crouch double sinks Egypt.
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Crouch has started only one international since last summer and appears to be behind Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe in the pecking order, but he continues knocking on Capello's door to have a greater involvement with his contributions from the substitutes' bench.
Crouch's second-half double in the 3-1 success over Egypt at Wembley took his goal tally for England to 20 in 37 appearances - an average of better than one every two games.
He said: "I am very pleased obviously. Coming on at half-time, you just try and make an impact. Two goals capped things off really nicely.
"We are all trying to get on that plane for South Africa and I'm very proud of my England goalscoring record and I just hope I can continue that.
"I'm proud to get to the 20 mark for my country but, since I came into the England team in 2005, I always felt I was going to get chances.
"There is so much quality and creativity in the midfield areas. You are going to get the opportunities and, at the moment, I am taking them. Like I said, I am very happy with my goalscoring record for England - and I'd like to continue that."
Crouch would dearly love to be in Capello's first-choice XI but knows all he can do is keep applying the pressure with his performances as a substitute.
"I think every player wants to start games and it is special to play for your country but, when you do come off the bench, you just try and make an impact and the biggest impact is scoring goals.
"If you don't do that, you just try and put yourself about and try and work hard and try and get the result for the team.
"There are not many games to try and stake a claim for the World Cup. You just try and do as well as you can for England but, in World Cup year, it is in the back of your mind. Everyone wants to be part of that and hopefully I've staked a bit of a claim."
Crouch praised the contribution of another second-half sub in Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips who scored once and laid on one of his two goals.
He said: "I thought Shaun was fantastic when he came on. He looked very lively. He has got that quality where he can go past players and set up chances and he did well for my second goal."
Crouch is also adamant there is no disharmony in the squad after all the recent headlines relating to off the field matters.
He said: "For me, the unity is the same as it has always been, a fantastic group of players, lads who get on and it seemed to be the case on this trip."
