England’s goalkeeping dilemma

One of the most interesting questions raised by Fabio Capello’s latest squad is who will be wearing the number one jersey when (or should I say if) England head to South Africa next summer. David James’s injury has left the door open for others to stake a claim, although many remain less than convinced by any of the options available. We take a look at the contenders. 

David James, 39, Portsmouth
England Caps: 48

Can probably consider himself the favourite to be Capello’s first choice between the sticks but will have wanted a move away from a Portsmouth side in freefall to bolster his chances. Has done well to shed his ‘calamity’ tag but still prone to the occasional high profile error. At the age of 39, needs to stay injury free for the rest of the season to prove his reliability.

Ben Foster, 26, Manchester United
England Caps: 2

Foster seems to have forever been the next great goalkeeping hope, although has yet to fully prove this. His superb performance in the Carling Cup for Manchester United last season has been somewhat forgotten after an indifferent start to the season where he has yet to fully take advantage of his opportunity following Edwin Van Der Sar’s injury. Likely to be on the plane to South Africa but may have to make do with bench warming.

Robert Green, 29, West Ham 
England Caps: 5

Green is a goalkeeper who has yet to produce club form at an international, although he has not been given the chance to show he can perform under pressure in a competitive match. Robbed of the chance to be part of the 2006 World Cup squad after injury, the man who jokingly had ‘England’s No.6′ embroidered on his gloves deserves the chance to prove he can be  England’s No.1.

Paul Robinson, 29, Blackburn Rovers
England Caps: 41

As the first choice throughout the 2006 World Cup at the age of 25, few would have thought that Robinson would struggling to make even the squad in 2010 when he should be coming into his goalkeeping prime. However, having made a series of errors in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and after falling out of favour at Spurs, that is the position Robinson finds himself in. Back in the current squad, Robinson needs a chance to prove he is back to his best.

Chris Kirkland, 28, Wigan Athletic
England Caps: 1

In a career seriously hindered by injury, Kirkland seems to be England’s forgotten man with just one half of senior international football to his name against Greece in August 2006. He has remained relatively injury free of later however and has shown some solid form as Wigan’s first choice. Deserves a chance to show what he can do before Capello selects his final squad.

Scott Carson, 23, West Bromwich Albion
England Caps: 3

It seems Carson will forever be remembered for the mistake he made against Croatia at Wembley, which is rough justice on the Whitehead man. McClaren paid for picking an inexperienced ‘keeper for such a crucial game with his job the next day. Whilst we probably see Carson in an England shirt again, it appears unlikely it will be during the World Cup, especially as he is currently plying his trade in the second tier.

Joe Hart, 22, Manchester City (on loan at Birmingham City)
England Caps: 1

Hart has impressed at Under-21 level but is yet to have really been given the opportunity to prove he can do so in the senior side. The World Cup may be coming a bit too soon for Hart, although he will be doing his chances no harm at all by taking up the opportunity of a season long loan at Birmingham City, where he should see plenty of action.

As one of the most important positions on the pitch, especially given England’s recent history of penalty shoot outs, the goalkeeping dilemma is one which Capello will want to resolve long before his squad travel to South Africa. All the candidates boast solid, if not spectacular, credentials and you get the impression that injury may well play a part. It could be an interesting season for the contenders.

Who would your No.1 be? Would you stick with David James or would one of the other candidates be your preference? As ever, let us know your thoughts.