Sir Geoff Hurst believes Peter Crouch to be the best partner for Wayne Rooney at the World Cup.
Crouch scored twice in England's 3-1 win against Egypt at Wembley in midweek to take his tally to 20 goals in 37 matches for his country. Hurst amassed 24 goals in 49 internationals and he insists Crouch is now ready to be promoted from his role as a substitute.
The 68-year-old, who believes England can get to the semi-finals, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek: "He (Crouch) is emerging as the best partner because he can do what Emile Heskey does but very importantly he scores a lot more goals than Emile has done for England."
He added: "You need as a front player to score one in two over your career and Peter's England record now is getting very close to mine. He'll be pushing me down the 'Goals for England' league table."
Hurst believes England manager Fabio Capello might even employ a Plan B with Rooney playing up front as a lone striker, as he has done at Manchester United this season, with Steven Gerrard supporting him.
But he pinpoints the defence, with full-backs Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson struggling for fitness and Rio Ferdinand's back problem, as the biggest concern.
"It is a worry," he continued. "We need a fairly settled back four as soon as we possibly can. When one or two key players get injured in certain areas we do look a little bit thin on the ground."
