Peter Crouch last night revealed the England players are taking part in their own X Factor audition for the World Cup.

Crouch admits that every star is under Fabio Capello's ­scrutiny as they try to make England's 23-man squad for South Africa.

Coach Capello will play the role of X Factor judge Simon Cowell between now and June 1 when he trims his provisional pool of 30 by dumping seven unlucky players who do not make the grade.

Crouch admits that they feel that their every move in training and around the team hotel at their Austrian training base is being scrutinised.

The Tottenham striker revealed that he even got a telling off for wearing slippers at the hotel because his baggage was delayed arriving in Austria.

When asked whether it was like the X Factor, Crouch smiled: “It is a bit. Obviously we do have to perform in training every day. We do feel on trial. But I have felt like that ever since I came into the England squad, no matter whether it's the World Cup on the horizon or the next friendly.

“In every game for England you are judged by everyone. By the whole nation and by the manager as well.

“In every training session and in every game I have always had the same belief. I have tried to impress and do well regardless of the World Cup at the end of it.

“In his first meeting he (Capello) said he's got to cut the squad down. He said: ‘Do as well as you can. Work hard and that day will come when it comes’. You are judged on ­everything – with regards to footwear, conduct around the hotel, every time you’re being judged.

“My trainers didn't arrive the other day because our bags didn't arrive. I had a pair of slippers on and I got pulled up on that. What can I do? I’ve got no trainers.

“You have to make sure all the rules are abided by. Time keeping is a main one. The lads seem to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before every meeting!

“I wouldn't say it makes you nervous, but he's definitely got that respect. He wants a certain standard.”