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Former England striker Peter Crouch humorously likened himself to viral sensation Salt Bae after getting caught up in the emotional celebrations of the Three Lions’ dramatic World Cup win against Mexico. The retired forward confessed that he felt like a “full kit w*nker” while passionately embracing captain Harry Kane at the Azteca Stadium following the match.

Crouch crashes the Azteca party

Crouch, who represented England in two World Cup tournaments, became the centre of a viral moment after England’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Mexico. When the final whistle blew in the intense last-16 encounter, the former Tottenham Hotspur striker lost all composure, dashing to hug current England skipper Kane—an emotional scene that quickly spread across social media.

Reflecting on the moment in Mexico City, Crouch admitted that his emotions completely took over. Speaking on his podcast via Prime Video, the 6ft 7in striker said: “Harry comes over and just gives me the biggest hug ever and we’re dancing around and I’m telling him how much I love him. And then I look around and it’s like a moment between me and Harry and there must have been thousands of photographers around us.”

The 'Salt Bae' comparison

The embrace instantly brought to mind Nusret Gokce, famously known as Salt Bae, who was widely mocked for invading Argentina’s celebrations following their 2022 World Cup final victory. Crouch quickly realised that he might have made a similar social misstep while celebrating with his former Tottenham team-mate.

Laughing about his lack of awareness in the heat of the moment, Crouch said: “And then it dawned on me – I’m the f***ing new Salt Bae! I’ve gone full Salt Bae. It was one of those full kit w***er moments. I almost felt like I should’ve got the kit back on and pretended I was part of the team.” The comparison comes as Salt Bae’s reputation remains tarnished after his awkward attempts to approach Lionel Messi during Argentina’s celebrations in Qatar.

Swept up in the Azteca atmosphere

England’s victory was far from straightforward, with Thomas Tuchel’s men forced to defend bravely after Jarell Quansah received a red card. The high-intensity contest spilled over into jubilant post-match scenes, with Crouch admitting he was almost tempted to join the players in a spontaneous singalong.

“I was so caught up in it all. There was one point where Anthony Gordon shouts me in to sing Wonderwall with them and I was that close to doing it! Thank God I didn’t because the boys deserve all the credit – it’s like I’m jumping on the bandwagon massively! But I was just so excited by the whole situation,” Crouch said. Despite the awkwardness, he added: “That embrace with Harry, it felt genuine. I’m just so proud of him and the team.”

Kane leads the charge

While Crouch delivered the humour off the pitch, Harry Kane once again proved decisive on it, converting the crucial penalty that secured England’s place in the quarter-finals. The win sets up a mouth-watering clash with Norway, though England will have to manage without the suspended Quansah as they continue their pursuit of global success.

Kane and Crouch share a long-standing connection, having played together at White Hart Lane during the early stages of the England captain’s career. Though Crouch has now transitioned into punditry, his close bond with the current generation of England stars remains evident—even if it occasionally leads to some slightly awkward but memorable photos in football’s most iconic venues.