Jonathan Woodgate has backed new teammate Peter Crouch to regain his spot in the England squad.

The 30-year-old hasn't featured for England since the end of last year, but recently admitted that he plans to let his performances for Stoke make it impossible for England coach Fabio Capello to ignore him.

Now the Potters centre-back has backed his former Tottenham teammate to do just that – and be the first Stoke player to play for England in 27 years.

"He's been left out of just one squad," said Woodgate, according to The Mirror. "[He] will probably be in the next one. He's a top player and you want them to improve your squad.

"Stoke are getting an England star who's played at the top level."

Crouch made 73 league appearances for Tottenham in just over two seasons at the club, scoring 12 goals.