Stoke City striker Peter Crouch says Ryan Shawcross can succeed Chelsea defender John Terry in the England team.

If Shawcross plays against San Marino, he will become the first ­Potters player to win an England cap since Mark Chamberlain in 1984.

And Crouch insists the Stoke skipper will do club and country proud, if Roy Hodgson takes the plunge, and show he is more than just a bruiser.

He said: "Everyone here is buzzing for Ryan.

"People have been talking about him for England for a number of years now. He has been so consistent. Hopefully he will get a chance because, if he does, he won't let anyone down.

"I have played with him for a couple of seasons now and he has all the attributes to be a top defender.

"He is strong, good in the air, reads the game well and his distribution is good."