The Blues' club-record signing is back in the England squad for this weekend's World Cup qualifying clash with Kazakhstan at Wembley.

It's the first time the 27-year-old has been included by Fabio Capello since his summer Fratton Park switch.

The call-up is just reward, with Crouch bagging four goals in his past three games in a sizzling strike partnership with Jermain Defoe.

Standing between both men and a start tomorrow are Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey – the strikeforce who did so much to defeat Croatia 4-1 in England's last outing.

Also see: Pompey have a gem in Crouch - Burton's Banter: click here to read the post.

And Redknapp concedes it is unlikely Crouch will be able to break them up.

He said: 'The call-up is great for Crouchie.

'He deserves it, he really does.

'He's not gone about moaning and groaning about not being included.

'He's just got on with things and concentrated on scoring goals for us.

'It is a great attitude to have but that is Crouchie all over – he's a great lad.

'I enjoy working with him every day.

'He's a terrific fella, works hard, gives his all and is a top, top player.

'I'm delighted for him.

'He's shown he should be in the squad, he's scored the goals and done well for us – but I'm not sure he'll play.

'Looking at it, I don't really know how you can change the side after that fantastic Croatia result.

'Rooney and Heskey were the strikers in that game and did great – the pair of them.

'Capello might not want to go around changing it.

'I don't know what he'll do, it's a tough one.

'Steven Gerrard is also available again and what a player he is.

'Then again, with Belarus coming up as well he might want to switch things round.

'We'll have to see, but it's going to be tough for Crouchie.'

Also see: Alex Cropley: I was a spent force by the time I arrived - Bygone Blues. Click here to read the post.

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