Source: Express

PETER CROUCH will follow in the footsteps of striking luminaries such as Bobby Charlton and Alan Shearer after being handed the coveted No9 jersey by England at the World Cup.

The accolade does not represent the final insight into Fabio Capello’s thinking for South Africa, but represents a massive boost to Crouch’s confidence ahead of the finals.

Crouch has scored as many goals in his last six appearances for England – seven – as striking rival Emile Heskey has managed in 58 international games and has won round an initially sceptical Capello with his performances up front. David James has been given the No1 goalkeeping jersey, although Capello has said he will not name his first-choice keeper for the tournament until just 90 minutes before the opening game with USA in Rustenburg on Saturday week.

Other numbers include Glen Johnson No2, Steven Gerrard No4 and Wayne Rooney No10.

Nat Lofthouse, ‘The Lion of Vienna’, was the first England forward to be assigned the No9 at the World Cup in 1954.

Charlton wore it for the 1966 triumph and in 1970, while Peter Beardsley was given the honour in 1990, Shearer had it in 1998 and Rooney in Germany 2006.

Rooney has scored nine goals in nine starts alongside Heskey under Capello, who must decide whether to stand by that partnership or go with Crouch and Rooney against the USA.