Peter Crouch dreaming of England return

Stoke City striker Peter Crouch has admitted that he harbours an ambition to earn more caps for England before retiring from football.

The 32-year-old has been absent from the international scene since 2010, despite boasting 22 goals in 42 appearances for the Three Lions.

The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur ace says that he would relish the opportunity to pull on an England shirt again, but remains pessimistic about that moment materialising.

He told The Guardian: "I think as soon as the new manager (Roy Hodgson) came in I wasn't part of the plans and that's been the case throughout.

"There's a lot of good young players out there now, so hopefully they can carry the fight.

"I always loved playing for England and always felt I did well. So I'd never say I'm retired, because if called upon I'd jump at the chance but I can't see that happening."

Crouch's last appearance for his country came in a 2-1 defeat to France over three years ago.