Crouch comfortable with Owen

Peter Crouch says he enjoyed his first England start alongside Michael Owen.

Sven Goran Eriksson unleashed the new-look attack in the World Cup qualifier and, despite their failure to yield a goal, Crouch was happy with the understanding the Premiership pair developed.

After David Beckham's dismissal Eriksson opted to bring on Manchester United youngster Kieran Richardson but, to the consternation of many England fans, opted to withdraw the prolific Owen rather than Liverpool's Crouch.

The angular striker revealed that without his strike-partner he found the going much tougher after feeling initially comfortable alongside England's fourth all-time record goalscorer.

"It was good with Michael," said Crouch. "He's a top player and I enjoy playing alongside him.

"It was disappointing the partnership got broken up because, with the sending-off, we had to change formation.

"At the end, it was difficult up there on my own."