Joleon Lescott would relish playing alongside John Terry for England and admits he always turns to the Chelsea defender for advice.

The Everton centre-half could face Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier because Rio Ferdinand, who has a long-standing calf injury, sat out training as a precaution yesterday.

Lescott, who had to watch as Terry lifted the FA Cup after beating Everton in Saturday's final, said: "I'm sure if there needs to be, John will pass on his advice. That's why he is England captain, he is a great leader and ambassador for football. Anything I need to know about football, he's always there and lending a helping hand. If Rio and JT are fit they are the permanent choices. They are two of the best in the world but along with everyone else I would like to think I am in contention.

"At the start of the season I was third choice and then through my form I slipped down. Hopefully if I can keep this consistency I can be third choice."

Meanwhile, England striker Peter Crouch believes Robert Green will show he has the quality to compete on the international stage when he is poised to start his first game under Fabio Capello in Kazakhstan. The West Ham goalkeeper has been forced to wait for his chance, despite having another superb season with the club and has the ideal chance to impress Capello as first-choice David James is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Portsmouth striker Crouch said: "I played with Robert in the Under-21s and he's a fantastic keeper. I'm lucky enough to have worked with David James day in day out and I know how good he is.

"Him being injured has given other keepers an opportunity and Robert Green is a fantastic understudy. It's been difficult for him to get into the England set-up but if given the chance I don't think he'll let anyone down."