England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Mac backs Robinson

07 Feb 2007 - 08:43:01

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England boss Steve McClaren has hinted that Paul Robinson will be back in goal for next month's Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel even though he has not been picked for the friendly international with Spain.

McClaren has opted to hand Ben Foster his international debut for the Old Trafford clash against Luis Aragones' side, but has words of encouragement for the off-form Tottenham shot-stopper.

"Paul Robinson is England's first-choice goalkeeper and his position is not under threat," said the former Middlesbrough manager.

"He was 90 minutes away from equalling Gordon Banks' clean sheet record and in my six games so far he's conceded only three goals, none of which were his fault.

"One was a freak own goal against Croatia, one was a cross into the box and the smallest player on the park won a header and it looped over his head.

"And the third one was a long throw we'd never concede from again hopefully and is something we can work on.

"We are looking at the bigger picture and we have explained that to Paul.

"Apart from Paul no-one in our squad, of our younger goalkeepers Scott Carson, Chris Kirkland and Ben Foster, have got the experience at international level or even European level that Paul Robinson has got.

"Ben needs a chance and this is an opportunity for him to get it. His priority is to go out there and play a blinder and create some competition.

"If he comes in and proves himself he is obviously going to do that. That will benefit the team. That will benefit everybody."