Crouch tipped to break record

Steven Gerrard has backed Peter Crouch to become England's all-time record scorer.

The striker scored his ninth and tenth goals for England during the 5-0 demolition of Andorra on Saturday, no mean feat considering that he only opened his international account against Uruguay in March.

And team-mate Gerrard feels that Crouch possesses the finishing abilities to eventually overhaul Bobby Charlton's record of 49 goals for England.

"Peter's goal record is frightening and it's great to see as well," hailed Gerrard. "I am sure he will be disappointed not to have got another hat-trick because he had a good chance at the end as well.

"If Crouchy gets the right service, he is going to put the ball in the back of the net because he is a great finisher. I hope he beats Bobby Charlton's record."

Crouch famously went through a long barren spell in front of goal when he first joined Liverpool, but he is now on top form and determined to cash in.

"I am pleased with the record I've got. We are a creative team and it's great to play in a team like this when you are going to get chances and I got a couple today," he said.

"I am enjoying it. There have been times when I haven't scored but at the minute it's happening and if you can't enjoy it when you are scoring goals, you never will.

"I do love playing here. I love playing for England. It's an attacking team and I know I am going to get chances. I was disappointed not to get the hat-trick.

"Steven Gerrard said to me about Bobby Charlton's record in the dressing room. I've just got to keep on going. I am enjoying myself at the moment and have just got to keep going."

Gerrard excelled on the right of midfield against Andorra, but he feels that coach Steve McClaren should be recognised for his decision to switch him from the centre.

"The manager deserves credit for giving me freedom to express myself and I've always said you will get the best out of me if I am free and allowed to go forward and set up attacks and get shots on goal," he explained.

"I've still got a responsibility out there but the manager wants me to express myself and get crosses into the box and join up with the front men, get into the box and get chances.

"The manager asked us to play at a high tempo.

"He wanted a clean sheet and 11 men on the pitch at the end and we did the job.

"But he also said there will be harder games and we have to build on these performances against Greece and Andorra."