Peter Crouch inspired by Teddy Sheringham

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 05 September 2012

Stoke City forward Peter Crouch is confident that he can follow in the footsteps of Teddy Sheringham by playing for England well into his 30s.

Stoke City forward Peter Crouch has said that he is confident in his ability to follow in the footsteps of Teddy Sheringham by playing for England well into his 30s.

Crouch has not represented the Three Lions since November 2010, but he believes that he still has much to offer Roy Hodgson's side.

"Teddy is someone I can definitely take inspiration from," said Crouch. "He was 36 when he played at the 2002 World Cup finals. Why shouldn't I be capable of playing in Brazil when I'm 33?

"Who can forget his performance against Holland at Euro 96 when we won 4-1? He was 30 then. I'm 31 so I don't accept it's over for me with England. Touch wood, I've been so lucky with injuries over my career, so I haven't taken too much out of my body.

"It's also fair to say I've never been blessed with blistering pace, so I cannot lose that. I've always relied on my other attributes and I don't think those are going to leave me for a long time. My strengths won't decline with age — unless I start shrinking! I think I'll get better with age."

Crouch has been capped 42 times at senior international level, scoring 22 goals.