With the World Cup less than two weeks away, there are still a number of questions concerning the England squad. Alongside the worries of whether Rio Ferdinand will have fully recovered from his back injury and who should start alongside Wayne Rooney, one major concern still remains. Who should be England’s number one goalkeeper?
Since Paul Robinson was dropped from the England set up a number of different options have been tried. Ben Foster was given the chance to impress but a lack of first team opportunities at Manchester United eventually cost him his place. That left the trio of David James, Joe Hart and Rob Green.
Each can argue his case, but in the opinion of Peter Shilton, England’s most capped player and one of this country’s finest ever goalkeepers, it should be Rob Green.
“There is a bit of uncertainty about who should be handed the gloves in South Africa as we haven’t had anyone establish themselves for the last couple of years,” explains Shilton. “David James looked as though he would be the natural choice but Rob Green has been the most consistent and I think he should be first choice.”
The West Ham stopper performed well this season under difficult circumstances, as the east London club narrowly avoided relegation. He also impressed throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign with his assured presence and ability in one on one situations.
This was highlighted in England’s friendly victory against Mexico as Green pulled off one exceptional stop with Carlos Vela bearing down on goal. Joe Hart was also given 45 minutes to impress, but it appears as though Green will be the man to start in South Africa.
Shilton who represented England for 20 years and played in two World Cups knows how vital it is to have a confident keeper. “The goalkeeper is a vital position as you have to command your penalty box. I never wanted to be beaten and I knew that keeping a clean sheet was important. That is something that the current England side need to do more of.”
England struggled in qualifying to keep clean sheets but they did score plenty of goals. Shilton, however, believes that keeping a clean sheet is vitally important.
“There is a big jump from club level to international football and especially playing in a World Cup. If they can tighten up at the back then I don’t see any reason why they can’t match our achievements at Italia ‘90 or perhaps go even further.”
With Shilton in goal, England reached the quarter-final in 1986 and the semi-final in 1990. During these two tournaments the former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper managed to keep ten clean sheets, a record that is matched only by Fabien Barthez.
Shilton also witnessed first hand the ability of one of the greatest players of all time. Diego Maradona was the sole reason England lost in Mexico in ‘86. His infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal may have made him a hate figure in this country but his moment of brilliance in beating half of the England team was sublime.
“Although Maradona cheated he was without a doubt the best player I have ever played against. He proved himself to be one of the greatest players ever and in my opinion only just behind Pele.
“I have seen comparisons between him and Messi but the young man needs to first prove himself on the biggest stage. He certainly isn’t up with Maradona yet but if he can prove himself at the World Cup then you would have to recognise him as one of the greatest ever players.”
Along with Messi’s Argentina, Shilton believes Brazil and Spain are the favourites for the tournament. Yet, the man who earned 125 caps will not rule out the chances of England, especially under Capello.
“The bookies probably have it right with Brazil as favourites, but under Capello England have a great chance. I firmly believe that the squad is good enough and with just a little bit of luck we certainly stand a chance.”
The nation will hope that whoever starts in goal for England will be as commanding as Peter Shilton. If they can match his achievements then England will certainly have a great chance of making it all the way in South Africa.
Peter Shilton was signing a National Express coach which has been touring the country collecting signatures of good luck from fans and celebrities. The Official England Supporter is collecting good luck messages for the England team, leave yours at Nation Expects at www.facebook.com/pages/Nation-Expects/108060512551332
