Well, I finally have a blog + Goalkeeper

I'm going to start off with assessing England's world cup squad hopefuls and try to figure out if Emile Heskey is one big practical joke I just don't get.

Goalkeeper


The main contenders:

For the recent friendly against Egypt, Capello somewhat surprised the nation with Robert Green starting the game wearing our number 1 jersey. In the build up to the game all the speculation was that Birmingham's on loan and in form 'keeper Joe Hart would be winning his first start, but Fabio went for the slightly baffling decision to play Green and increase his chances of being England's goalkeeper in South Africa.

I say baffling as Green hasn't exactly been in great form for West Ham this season, with the hammers currently sitting 17^th in the league and conceding 51 goals; whilst Hart's Birmingham currently reside in 9^th, only conceding 34 goals due in no small part to Joe's constant heroics.

With only 2 friendlies remaining before the tournament begins, it remains to be seen whether Hart will be given his chance to stake a claim.

Described by Capello as 'young', it seems that Joe may be seen as too inexperienced to be counted on as the country's last line of defence, with an older head preferred.

The possibles:

It is odd then that Fabio would choose Green as this more experienced player, when the likes of David James and Paul Robinson are waiting in the wings, both with more caps than the faltering Green.

James has suffered a torrid time with Portsmouth this season, with the off field problems well documented, this coupled with injury problems has kept him out of the international scene and could well have ended his world cup hopes. A goalkeeper that isn't able to train for a number of days after playing a game isn't ideal for a tournament such as the world cup, with the games coming thick and fast. Unfortunately for David, I feel he may have made his last England appearance.

After a series of high profile blunders, Robinson was dropped from the international fold and barre injuries to the other contenders, doesn't look like re entering. Which is a shame really, as he has been doing a good job for Blackburn and behind Hart, is probably the in form English goalkeeper this season. Keeping goal for a Big Sam team may not be glamorous but he has done a very steady job for them and it seems his confidence has returned after his England relegation. If Fabio was going for experience of international caps, I would much rather go with Robinson than Green.

The non starter:


Unless Van Der Sar and Kuszczak suffer injuries, Foster will finish the season as Man United's third choice goalkeeper. Lack of match practice and international experience all but rule out the once promising keeper.