McLaren Picks Robinson for England

Posted by Logan Holmes Sep 8, 2007

Tottenham Hotspur's Paul Robinson has retained his England goalkeeping position for the crucial international against Israel at Wembley. Steve McLaren, the England manager, has made a brave but correct decision to stay with Robinson who has been unopposed as England's 'Number 1' since replacing David James in the World Cup qualifying games in 2004.

Robinson had a disappointing World Cup, not due to mistakes but he looked nervous when facing crosses and then his problems increased with an unfortunate blunder against Croatia. As he went to kick the ball clear from a back pass, it bobbled under his foot , presenting the home team with their second and decisive goal.

The younger players have failed to mount a challenge for the goalkeeping position and with Robinson's form being inconistent, McLaren was tempted to recall Portsmouth's David James who had an excellent season last year. However, James is ten years Robinson's senior and he has earned his 'Calamity' nickname following a number of high profile blunders for both club and country throughout his career.

With the pressure on England to defeat Israel to improve their disappointing European Championship qualifying position, the manager has shown faith in Robinson.

Robinson will be under the spotlight at Wembley but he has shown remarkable composure in the past and won't let England down. Paul Robinson is the best England goalkeeper and no other goalkeeper has shown that he deserves to take the position from him.