Stoke City striker Peter Crouch believes Ryan Shawcross is on the verge of becoming a permanent fixture in the England set-up and the long-term replacement for John Terry.

Crouch's disappointment at being overlooked for the World Cup qualifiers against Poland and San Marino has been eased by what he feels is a long overdue call-up for Shawcross, who he rates as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League.

The forward was the first to congratulate Stoke team-mate ...

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