Asmir Begovic: 'Peter Crouch could improve England'

Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has backed striker Peter Crouch to make a late bid to be included in England's World Cup squad.

Crouch has played a pivotal part in Stoke's recent improvement in form, and after netting eight times for the Potters in the Premier League this season, Begovic believes that the 33-year-old could make a "big difference" to England's chances in Brazil.

The 26-year-old told talkSPORT: "I can't recommend Peter Crouch highly enough. I've played with him for a few years at Stoke, and before that at Portsmouth. He offers you something different.

"There are not many strikers like him around the world, it will be very difficult for defences to handle him.

"His goal record speaks for itself, especially at international level. He can make a big difference."

Crouch has netted 22 times in 42 international appearances, but he has not featured for England since November 2010.