PETER CROUCH took a swipe yesterday at critics who say England play more long balls with the two-metre tall striker in their World Cup side.

Crouch, often used as a target man, is set to start Sunday's second round game with Ecuador alongside Wayne Rooney after Michael Owen was ruled out of the finals by a knee injury.

Asked if England were more of a long-ball side when he played, the 2.04-metre Crouch told a news conference: "It frustrates me when people say that, to be honest. It really does.

"I honestly don't see that to be the case. It is an option but certainly not the only option.

"I have to keep proving it but I think I've proved over the years that I can receive the ball on to feet as much as anyone else.

"All the players know that and I'm sure we'll play that way if I play."

Crouch, who recently scored a hat-trick with his feet in a 6-0 friendly win over Jamaica, added: "In international football, and certainly at the World Cup, you need more than long balls to break teams down. We all know that.

"We can be one of the best passing teams around when we want to be."

IN FINE FORM

With six goals in his past six England internationals, including the vital first goal against Paraguay last week, Crouch is enjoying a fine run of form.

Yet, he was still quizzed over his partnership with Rooney and the question of whether he can really replace Owen, with his 36 goals and 80 caps for England.

"I think Wayne and I can definitely complement each other and I am sure it can work," he said.

"There is responsibility with Michael going home, it's one less striker. But I've always felt confident in my ability that if I was given a chance I'd do well.

"I'm as disappointed as anyone else that Michael has gone. He's a top-class player and has proved that.

"I'm new to the squad, I've got 10 caps and he's played a lot more games than me.

"There's obviously going to be questions," he said. "But hopefully, I can answer those questions in the best way possible - to do well as I can and win games."