Is Peter Crouch Hodgson’s biggest sin of omission?

When England manager Roy Hodgson named his 23- man squad today for Euro 2012 there are a few players who could feel aggrieved at being overlooked, Micah Richards, Aaron Lennon, Grant Holt, Rio Ferdinand all had strong cases for a place, but the decision to include Andy Carroll and not an experienced Peter Crouch is simply mind boggling.

Despite scoring one the goals of the season in the Premier League, finishing top goal scorer for his club this year and has better international goals to game ratio record than the likes of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan, he still didn’t make it among the four strikers chosen.

There were no real surprises that the likes of Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Danny Welbeck have their tickets booked for the plane, but the decision to leave Crouch behind doesn’t make sense and statistically the 6ft 7 giant has had more success in front of goal than Carroll.

In Stoke City’s campaign this year he has played a total of 32 games in the Premier League and has netted a total of 12, whereas Carroll has endured a difficult season at Liverpool scoring only 4 goals in an incredible 35 appearances.

Fans and pundits are likely to jump to the defense of the Geordie, reminding the football world that he has scored three goals in his last seven, including a goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea after giving John Terry the run around, and has impressed in recent form, but his record for the season overall just doesn’t cut it.

International selection should be based on form, for which Carroll does have a point, but when there are other English strikers with a better goal record for the season, for example Grant Holt and indeed Crouch, who are both big, old fashioned centre forwards, it  makes you wonder what more can they do to be recognized by Hodgson and co.

Crouch has scored 22 times for England in 42 appearances, which puts him in 14th in England’s all time goal scorers record, not bad, ay? Well despite the vast amount of experience and impressive record, he still has his critics. Being accused of being slow and clumsy, that he only scores against teams like Trinidad and Tobago and Hungary, minnow teams, and that there are better strikers out there, but are there really?

In terms of taking a target man to the tournament there are only a few players to choose from. Bolton Wanderers’ striker Kevin Davies, Norwich City’s Grant Holt, Carroll and Crouch all have a claim to a point. However, between Davies, Holt and Carroll they have four English caps between them. The lack of experience is overwhelming and Crouch has played in two World Cup’s, but it all seems to count for nothing as he was shunned.

The similarities of the strikers are that they are all powerful, strong, good in the air and also have a stinger of a shot on them, but in terms of experience and goals to game ratio, there is only one logical choice. It seems Hodgson has other plans and ideas about his set up, which could be successful and indeed Carroll’s inclusion, but in terms of merit, statistically he shouldn’t be in the squad.

Carroll could be a revelation this summer when England travel to Poland and Ukraine, but Crouch must be sat at home knowing that he has scored more goals this season, has one of the best international goal scoring records and beat England’s number one from 35 yards, yet he will have to settle on a sofa to watch a tournament that he should be playing in.

Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:

ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.