I had the opportunity to visit St George's Park 10 days ago. We were doing some filming for my BBC show and I was lucky to be able to spend time with a few members of England's squad.
The afternoon turned out better than I could have imagined. I spoke to Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson and a couple of the other boys, but I came away from their base feeling envious. I got 42 caps during my career — and I treasure them all — but I'd give them all up in a heartbeat to get two this week.
What a moment this is for these players. What a moment it is for the country. My life in football has always revolved around England and I'm experiencing this tournament with the joy that I had when I was a kid. I can't imagine what it will be like if things go as we hope they will.
Peter Crouch celebrates scoring for England at the 2006 World Cup in one of his 42 caps
He had plenty of ups but some major downs at tournaments, including the 2010 World Cup
Fixtures
Tuesday 06 July
European Championship
Semi-finals
Italy
Spain
Wednesday 07 July
European Championship
Semi-finals
England
Denmark
Sunday 11 July
European Championship
Final
TBC
TBC
View all fixtures
I don't believe there is another country in the world whose fans want to win a trophy more than ours. Think of all the players we've produced since 1966 who have been to major tournaments and come up short.
I know the disappointment you have felt because I was one of those responsible.
Seeing this joy — and being able to share in it — is relatively new for me. You might say I went to the 2006 World Cup and got a flavour of it when fans assembled outside our hotel in Frankfurt before one game but, when you are a player, you don't get to drink it all in.
Crouch believes seeing England fans celebrate can feel like another world when being involved in a tournament squad where you are focused on your next game
