Source: Team_Talk
Casillas: Keepers a problem for England
Spain star Iker Casillas believes England's goalkeepers will be the Three Lions' key weakness at the World Cup, saying it's a "real problem'.[LNB] The Real Madrid stopper has questioned the big-match temperament of Robert Green, David James and Joe Hart ahead of the tournament, which gets under way on Friday.[LNB]None of the England goalkeeping trio featured for their club sides in Europe last season, while both Portsmouth's James and Green of West Ham lined up for teams battling relegation from the Premier League.[LNB]And Casillas, a key member of Spain's Euro 2008-winning squad, believes top teams will be able to expose England's frailties in that area.[LNB]He said: "I can see why both Lionel Messi and Xavi have talked up England's chances at the World Cup because their class is undisputed. But their goalkeeping situation is a real problem.[LNB]"None of the keepers have played even European Cup level, that's the highest level you can play at club level.[LNB]"And if you have never played in the top club competition in the world, you are going to find it hard to perform at the top international level in the world when even more eyes are on you.[LNB]"If you look at myself, Gigi Buffon of Italy and Julio Cesar of Brazil, we are keepers who've all won European Championships, World Cups and European Cups.[LNB]"At this level nerves play a big part and any mistake a goalkeeper makes is going to be scrutinised.[LNB]"It's not always about ability at the World Cup, it's about having been there before and knowing how to handle the big games."[LNB]England coach Fabio Capello has left England's fans guessing as to who his number one will be in South Africa, but Casillas believes he knows who will get the nod.[LNB]"I don't see that England coach Fabio Capello has any choice but to play Robert Green," he added in quotes reported in Daily Star Sunday.[LNB]"It doesn't matter if Joe Hart has more natural ability. To throw him into the World Cup with no experience would be crazy and Fabio is far more intelligent than that.[LNB]"He has stuck with Robert Green throughout the qualifying stages and that is the way I am sure it will stay."[LNB]Despite his obvious reservations about the England squad, Casillas added: "Apart from the keeper situation, England are very strong and I'd put them in the top three favourites, along with us and Brazil."
