PETER CROUCH looks set to be handed his senior England debut against the USA a week on Saturday.

The 6ft 7in hitman, Saints' top scorer this season with 16 goals, is at the forefront of Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans for the tour that also includes a game against Colombia.

Crouch, pictured, is set to start alongside Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson in what is a fantastic opportunity to prove to Eriksson he can be the big striker the England boss is looking to take to next year's World Cup.

Eriksson said: "Andrew Johnson and Peter Crouch might start the first game up front and that's a great opportunity for them to show if they should be involved in World Cup qualifiers.

"You know when you go to the big tournaments, that you will be missing one or two of the big players.

"It's good to have other options."

Eriksson insisted that England's post-season tour to the United States IS a worthwhile exercise - despite the absences of more than half of his first-choice team.

Eriksson will be without Paul Robinson, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney for the two games.

He is also set to be missing David Beckham and Michael Owen for the first game against the host country.

"I wouldn't say that I'm happy that we don't have the best squad with the most famous players, but I accept it and I'm looking forward to seeing the other players," he said.

"To let players like Peter Crouch or Andy Johnson go out of Europe and play against good teams like the United States, it must be a good experience for them.

"Managers shouldn't criticise me, they should be thankful that we aren't playing any qualifying games in June.

With Emile Heskey again dropped, Crouch, Johnson and Alan Smith all have the chance to press their claims, with Eriksson looking to find a player who could provide an aerial threat late in a game.