It looks like a straight fight between Heskey and Crouch for the qualifiers against Kazakhstan on Saturday and Andorra the following Wednesday, although Carlton Cole also adds competition.

England are expected to win both matches comfortably and a haul of six points would mean a huge stride towards next year’s tournament.

"Obviously there is pressure on us to win the game (against Kazakhstan) and get the three points but it doesn’t matter if we win it by one goal or seven," Crouch added.

"The way we have been playing we have enough about us to score goals, and as a forward I would like to get a couple of goals."

The clash in Almaty is a trip into the unknown for the England squad, who travel out on Wednesday, but the only thing on their mind is maintaining their 100% record in Group Six.

"I can’t say I have ever been to Kazakhstan on holiday," joked Crouch. "None of the lads have played against teams from there so it’s exciting, but we have to make sure we get the right result.

"I don’t know what the pitch is like, or the conditions. They are obviously going to be used to it, but for us it is a trip into the unknown.

"That’s why we have to make sure we get it right, that’s why we are going out there early, to get the time-difference right, ready for kick-off on Saturday."

Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole, meanwhile, missed training as a precaution.

Cole took a kick during the FA Cup final win at Wembley over Everton, while Ferdinand rested a strain.