Peter Crouch believes England should adopt a cautious approach in the build-up to the World Cup finals in South Africa after failing to meet expectations at previous showpiece tournaments.

England reached the semi-final of Italia 90 and Euro 96, but success in a major competition continues to elude them since their solitary triumph in 1966.

England have regularly been among the favourites for recent tournaments and the so-called golden generation of talent have not been afraid to latch on to the hype.

However, Crouch believes a more conservative England can be successful in South Africa, with the team doing their talking on the pitch.

"We've got a belief that we can go all the way," the Tottenham striker told talkSPORT magazine.

"It's difficult, as I don't think any of the players want to be talking about winning the World Cup because we have disappointed in the past.

"I think rather than go out there and talk about winning it we should go out there, not talk, and win it.

"I think I speak for all of the players when I say that."

Crouch maintains Fabio Capello's England are capable of defeating anyone next summer, but he believes European champions Spain are the favourites.

"I don't think we fear anyone," said Crouch.

"We have faith in our own ability and on the day we can beat anyone.

"For me, the biggest danger are Spain. The way they pass the ball, the way they play and the individual players who can win a match for them, they'll probably be the biggest danger to anyone who wants to win the World Cup."

England's 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany was partly overshadowed by the presence of glamorous wives and girlfriends at their base in Baden Baden, but Crouch insists being away from partner Abigail Clancy is a price worth paying for global glory.

"It would be nice to see your family at some stage," said Crouch. "But we've got four weeks to try to win a World Cup so I think we can cope without seeing them.

"If that's what it takes to win the World Cup then I don't think they'll be any questions asked about that."