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Peter Crouch Tips Two England Players To Light Up Euro 2020

Peter Crouch Tips Two England Players To Light Up Euro 2020

Peter Crouch has picked out two players who he predicts will shine for England this summer.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Peter Crouch is tipping both Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish to light up Euro 2020 for England.

The Birmingham duo have both been included in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad after strong seasons with their respective clubs.

Image: PA
Image: PA

Bellingham, a versatile and well-rounded midfielder already at just 17, has impressed everyone with his maturity on the big stage following a slew of impressive Champions League displays for Borussia Dortmund.

He made his senior debut in November and became England's third-youngest ever player.

And Crouch reckons the Birmingham City youth product will be integral throughout this summer and beyond for the Three Lions.

"I love watching him play," Crouch told SPORTbible as he discussed the opening of the Paddy Parks in Flat Iron Square, London and Riverside, Newcastle

"It's like this new breed of player, how he can be 17 in a foreign country, starting games and dictating games at that age, it's just madness really.

"And the same with England. He's a player who has just arrived on the international scene and it's like he'll be there forever.

"I would not underestimate him having an impact in this Euros, especially with Jordan Henderson being a doubt.

"It's hard for me to acquaint to it because I was 24 when I was ready for the Premier League I reckon. It's so hard for me to understand. At 17 I was still a baby still and for him to be doing what he's doing is just incredible.

"He's obviously a wise head on young shoulders because whenever you hear him speak, he doesn't get carried away and he speaks well.

"You can tell in his face that he's a young kid but the way he plays and speaks, it's so far ahead of the game."

Villa skipper Grealish was part of the talented England side that won the 2016 Toulon tournament under Southgate.

He only made his international debut in September but quickly received comparisons to the legendary Paul Gascoigne for his deft shoulder-dropping and flamboyant style.

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

Having seen him named as Man of the Match in the friendly win over Romania, his seventh cap, Crouch is excited about seeing the 25-year-old strut his stuff in the showpiece.

"You just feel like something's going to happen with Grealish, don't you?" Crouch said.

"We've wanted a 'Gazza' type player since the 1990 World Cup when he was just brilliant.

"I feel like he can have that kind of impact. There's always a player who bursts onto the scene - and I know he's been doing it for a number of years now at Villa - but doing it at the Euros is the biggest stage of all.

"I remember when Roberto Baggio came onto the scene in Italia 90 - someone who could just excite everyone.

"I feel like he really could be the man if given the chances this summer."

There is one player who Crouch feels was a little unfortunate to miss out, however. Set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse turned in a great performance against Romania but ultimately didn't make the final squad.

Crouch feels as though his David Beckham-like delivery would have been incredibly useful.

He explained: "It's a huge part of the game. It's a crucial weapon. He's 8/10 target, it's unbelievable the standard of free-kick he's got really.

"Even if you're not playing well, it's a weapon to have. I do think it was, not a big mistake, but something we might live to regret.

"He's right up there. I've watched him live and seen him score a couple of goals, it's unbelievable what he does with that ball.

"You've got to say he's up there as good as Becks with what he does, definitely."

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Peter Crouch is an ambassador for Paddy Power, who are opening Paddy Parks this summer, the ultimate fan viewing experience for all EURO 2020 games. Held at Flat Iron Square and Riverside Newcastle, tickets are selling out fast - visit www.paddyparkfanzones.com

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Topics: Peter Crouch, Football, Euro 2020, England