Source: Team_Talk
Shilton hands his backing to Green
Peter Shilton believes the England No 1 shirt is up for grabs ahead of the World Cup - but feels Robert Green has the edge over David James.[LNB] Portsmouth veteran James and West Ham stopper Green, 30, are set to battle it out to be between the posts for the opening game against the United States in Rustenburg on June 12, with Manchester City youngster Jo Hart, who impressed during a loan spell at Birmingham, as cover.[LNB]James, who turns 40 later in the summer, produced a number of good saves during the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.[LNB]However Shilton - England's record capped international with 125 - believes former Norwich trainee Green - who missed the last World Cup because of a freak groin injury suffered in a 'B' warm-up match against Belarus - deserves the opportunity.[LNB]James, 39, won back his place back after some high-profile mistakes from Paul Robinson and Scott Carson which helped contribute to England's failure to reach the finals of Euro 2008, but still seems to struggle to shake off the reputation of being prone to the odd glaring error himself.[LNB]"There is still a lot to play for, for different reasons, but for me Robert Green has not done a lot wrong," Shilton, who reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup, told Press Association Sport.[LNB]"David James has been out injured a lot this season, but at least he will be fresh.[LNB]"You know what you are going to get with David - he is one of the most naturally-gifted goalkeepers I have ever seen, however, you also know there is that element of calamity he keeps producing every now and again.[LNB]"To win the World Cup, you have seven games [to the final], and is he going to have one or two where he is not on form?[LNB]"That is why he lost his England place, so there is that element.[LNB]"With Robert Green, we have not really had that over the last 18 months.[LNB]"There have been a couple of moments, but he has made some great saves and has been solid."[LNB]Shilton, though, feels Hart, 23, could yet lay down a late challenge to both the senior keepers.[LNB]"[Fabio] Capello played Green in the last match, and it will be very interesting to see who he plays against Mexico," said Shilton, who was in London today to take part in the Titanbet.com 'Shoot out in the sky', along with former England full-back Graeme Le Saux.[LNB]"If Joe Hart was picked, and played really well, then he would be right in the melting pot."
