OTD: Peter Crouch hits England hat-trick against Jamaica

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 03 June 2014

Eight years ago today, Peter Crouch scores a hat-trick as England thrash Jamaica 6-0 in a World Cup warm-up encounter at Old Trafford.

In terms of caps-to-goals ratio, few players have been more prolific in an England shirt than Peter Crouch.

From his 42 outings, the centre-forward found the net on 22 occasions, which works out at a goal every 0.52 caps. Only Gary Lineker, England's second-leading goalscorer of all time, can boast a better return.

Despite initial doubts regarding his ability to be an asset at international level - his appearance against Poland early on was jeered by a certain section of supporters - the tall frontman slowly started to win over the cynics. He scored his first goal against Uruguay in March 2006 and then celebrated his inclusion in that year's World Cup squad by firing in another against Hungary.

Next up, in what was England's final warm-up clash before departing for Germany, was Jamaica at Old Trafford eight years ago today. By the time that the final whistle was blown, the Liverpool striker had more than doubled his international tally.

Peter Crouch celebrates scoring the first of his three goals for England against Jamaica on June 03, 2006. © Getty Images

Frank Lampard gave England a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute when he converted Joe Cole's cross, before visiting defender Jermaine Taylor turned David Beckham's free kick from the left flank into his own net.

Beckham then claimed another assist in the 28th minute as his corner found Crouch, who saw his volley find the back of the net via a deflection off Omar Daley. Crouch's strike partner, Michael Owen, then got in on the act before the break when he rounded Jamaica goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts to roll the ball into an unguarded net.

The second half was much of an even contest in the Manchester sunshine, but it was Crouch that proved to be the difference. He scored his second and England's fifth of the match in the 66th minute when he lifted Jamie Carragher's low cross into the roof of the net.

Then, nine minutes from time he was presented with the perfect chance to complete his hat-trick when he stepped up to take the penalty that had been awarded for a foul on Owen, but his chipped effort floated embarrassingly over the crossbar.

Peter Crouch scores the second of his three goals for England against Jamaica on June 03, 2006. © Getty Images

It turned out not to matter, though, because with two minutes left to play, Owen slotted a pass through to Crouch on the edge area and the 25-year-old curled the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Having scored half of England's six goals, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed that Crouch had made enough of an impression to start the World Cup group opener against Paraguay: "Peter Crouch had a fantastic game. He won almost everything in the air and scored goals. I think he will start next Saturday. I think he deserves it."

ENGLAND: Robinson; A Cole (Bridge), Ferdinand, Terry (Campbell), Carragher; J Cole, Lampard (Carrick), Gerrard (Downing), Beckham (Lennon); Crouch, Owen

JAMAICA: Ricketts; Reid, Davis, Stewart, Daley, Hue (Johnson); Taylor (Crawford), Euell (Stephenson), Campbell-Ryce; Shelton (Burton), Fuller (Bennett)