Peter Crouch is in pole position to take Wayne Rooney's starting place in England's World Cup opener against Paraguay.
Peter Crouch: The new Rooney?
Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he would partner Michael Owen with Liverpool hitman Crouch if he had to face the Paraguayans tomorrow.
Eriksson does not want to disrupt his midfield quartet of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole.
He will try to resist the temptation to shunt Gerrard or Cole forward in the 'hole' but this hinges on Owen's fitness to pair up with 25-year-old Crouch.
Eriksson said: 'If I had to do it today I think I would start with Peter Crouch and Michael Owen if he is match-fit.
'That would be the natural choice and playing the four best midfielders. We are talking about Paraguay and things we don't know with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen but, if it was today, Peter Crouch would be ready. Absolutely.'
Rooney's broken foot is reported to be healing well but he will certainly miss the Paraguay game on June 10.