The England number nine shirt has been handed to Tottenham Hotspur striker Peter Crouch for the World Cup in South Africa. With 21 goals in 38 international appearances, Crouch’s record suggests he merits inclusion in that elite group of England legends to wear the number nine shirt that includes Bobby Charlton, Nat Lofthouse and Wayne Rooney.
Perhaps the most celebrated player to wear the number nine shirt at a World Cup is former Manchester United midfielder Bobby Charlton. The midfielder was an integral part of Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup-winning side, playing in all 6 of England’s matches scoring 3 goals along the way. Charlton remains England’s record goal scorer, with 49 goals in 106 appearances – including, of course, that thunderbolt strike against Mexico at the 1966 World Cup.
Often overlooked, Nat Lofthouse’s international record deserves better recognition. The former Bolton Wanderers forward was England’s number nine for the 1954 World Cup finals in Switzerland and enjoyed a glittering international career in which he scored 30 goals in 33 games –a phenomenal record unlikely to be beaten.
Peter Crouch’s England teammate Wayne Rooney was the Three Lions number nine in Germany four years ago. The United forward would probably be the first to admit that, after breaking a metatarsal shortly before the start of England’s World Cup campaign, he achieved less than expected in Germany – something he will no doubt be keen to put right this time around.
Crouch opened his World Cup account by grabbing the crucial winner in England’s group game against Trinidad and Tobago. Footballers and football supporters are notoriously superstitious, but few would read much into the fact that England’s number nine has failed to score at the last two World Cups. Given Crouch’s impressive record at international level, not many would bet against him adding to his tally if given the chance by England manager Fabio Capello.
