Mark Hughes believes Stoke City striker Peter Crouch could be an outsider to force his way into Roy Hodgson’s thoughts for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The 33-year-old has been spearheading the Potters’ attack as they have climbed up the Premier League table in recent weeks and he was on the scoresheet again as Hughes’ side picked up a 4-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
And given Crouch’s international record of 22 goals in 42 caps for the Three Lions, Hughes thinks he could be one of the players who puts in a late run of form to fire himself into contention.
Crouch played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups
"He is an international-class player, he has proven that at international level," said the former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers boss.
"He has a great record for England. Maybe the people in charge are looking for a similar type of player as effective as Pete.
"Or maybe his time has come and gone, but if he was asked to go I am sure he would go."
Crouch has not featured for England since the game with France at Wembley in November 2010, so any call-up would be a first for him under Hodgson.
But Hughes is more than willing to recommend the former Spurs and Portsmouth frontman, who has nine goals this season, should anyone seek his opinion.
"If anyone rang me up and wanted a view on whether or not I think Peter should go to the World Cup, I can obviously give them a very positive one," he added.
