Position: Forward
Born: 30.01.81
Club: Liverpool

Sven-Goran Eriksson has often been criticised for making poor substitutions during his England tenure, but now he can at least say he has a genuinely different option to use up front in the form of Peter Crouch.

The beanpole frontman is clearly a handful for defenders and has already proven he can make a major impact on the world stage.

There were calls of derision from some quarters when 6ft 7in Crouch was called up to Eriksson's squad for the tour to America last May. But with 17 goals to his name for a relegated Southampton side - and a host of other players having withdrawn - he deserved a chance.

And he quickly impressed on his debut against Colombia, setting up the second goal in Michael Owen's hat-trick as England won 3-2 in New Jersey.

With Wayne Rooney banned for the penultimate World Cup at home to Austria in October, Crouch was in from the start again despite a worrying goal drought for his new club Liverpool.

But he was at the heart of some of England's better moments in a 1-0 victory and offered a lot to the attack - even if he still couldn't find the net.

In his next three appearances, however, Crouch was used to change the game as he came off the bench to great effect. England found match-winning goals in the closing stages against Poland and Argentina after his introduction, and Crouch even got on the scoresheet himself in another late turnaround against Uruguay at Anfield.

Although that was a header, Crouch is more than just an aerial presence. He is comfortable on the ball and, as he proved against Colombia, can even spot and play a killer pass.

He will certainly be one to watch at the World Cup.

• 5 Rio Ferdinand
• 4 Steven Gerrard
• 13 David James
• 8 Frank Lampard
• 2 Gary Neville
• 10 Michael Owen
• 1 Paul Robinson
• 9 Wayne Rooney
• 6 John Terry