Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes striker Peter Crouch has done his chances of playing a vital role in England's chase for World Cup qualification no harm after his performance in their Champions League victory over Real Betis.
Crouch, the 6ft 7in frontman, was being watched by England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, and his display in the 2-1 Group G win was praised by Benitez.
Eriksson has expressed his desire to use Crouch in the forthcoming England matches against Austria and Poland while Benitez has been waiting for the £7million man to recover from a hamstring injury.
Benitez said: "Peter Crouch played very well in the first half, he has done his England chances no harm."
"Sven knows he is a good target man, he keeps possession well for us and allows us to play our football much higher up the park rather than in defence."
Benitez also revealed he left out his skipper Steven Gerrard because he felt the midfielder was tired.
