Defoe celebrates scoring England's third goal against Andorra

The Tottenham striker scored twice in Saturday's 5-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win over England's Group E rivals, and he said: "You want to prove people wrong.

"I watched the World Cup on TV and all the time was wishing I could be there."

And England boss Steve McClaren called Peter Crouch "phenomenal" after he also grabbed a double against Andorra.

Interview: England striker Jermain Defoe

Defoe was given his chance because of the absence of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

The 23-year-old added: "I have had some disappointments in my career but sometimes they make you stronger.

"It is hard to put into words how I felt when I was left out. It was soul-destroying but I had good people around me who gave me support."

McClaren was understandably delighted with Defoe and Crouch, and said: "They are forming a partnership.

Peter's goal record is frightening Steven Gerrard on Peter Crouch

"Peter was phenomenal. He has an unbelievable record.

"He is such a handful for defenders but you also have to praise the service.

"What I love about Peter Crouch is that he is a team player. We do the stats on him and look at the amount of running he does.

"You would expect the midfield players to do the most but consistently he does the most amount of running on the pitch."

Gerrard, Defoe and Crouch all scored against Andorra

Steven Gerrard believes fellow Liverpool star Crouch should focus on beating Sir Bobby Charlton's scoring record for England of 49 goals.

Striker Crouch, 25, has scored 10 goals in the last 10 England games.

"Peter's goal record is frightening," said midfielder Gerrard, who scored England's second goal against Andorra.

"He is a great finisher. I hope he beats Bobby Charlton's record."

However, Crouch understandably realises that he has a long way to go before he can even contemplate challenging the landmark international figure set by Manchester United legend Charlton, who was part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team.

Crouch, who has scored seven goals in three games for his country at Old Trafford, stated: "I am pleased with the record I have got.

"Steven Gerrard said to me about Bobby Charlton's record in the dressing room.

"I have just got to keep going. I am enjoying myself at the moment and have just got to keep going.

"We are a creative team and it is great to play in a team like this when you going to get chances and I got a couple today.

"I am enjoying it. I love playing for England. It is an attacking team and I know I am going to get chances.