1966 legend fancies David James

Written by Kris Mole Wednesday, 19 May 2010 16:53

England World Cup Blog

World Cup winning England legend Gordon Banks believes England's 1st choice keeper this summer should be David James, even though he's not been the most consistent performer between the sticks.

Banks admitted that Joe Hart's season has been impressive, more so than James', but that experience would be the vital asset in South Africa.

"It's very, very difficult," said Banks, speaking at the launch of England's World Cup suit, created by Marks & Spencer. "There's nothing to choose between the three of them really. Joe Hart is really the most consistent one but he hasn't played a full international match for England, he has only played half a game. I think that it would be a little bit dodgy if Capello decided to play him because he hasn't got experience of playing in a World Cup, he could freeze a little bit."

"The other two are very much of the same mould. They make the most fantastic saves, that probably no other goalkeeper could make, but then they make an error which could lose a goal," Banks continued.

Banks was then asked which one he personally would choose, to which he replied, "It's a very difficult question. I don't know to be honest. James has come back and he's had some really good games. Green has played very well for West Ham even though they haven't had a very good season. Sometimes, watching games, his positioning is just a tiny bit off, though. So I think I'd probably go with James and hope he doesn't go on a run-around out of the box."

"But Capello can't be chopping and changing this close to the competition. So I think whoever he plays in the next game, whether it be James or Green, I think that'll be who he'll start."

Anyone who reads this website regularly will know how this particular writer feels on the subject. I wouldn't go with anyone else between the posts than Joe Hart. He's confident, has ability, and picked up some kind of experience playing in the Under 21s European Championships last year (where he impressed greatly).

You can't keep using lack of experience as an excuse not to give him his shot. How is the boy supposed to gain experience otherwise?

Fabio, take a chance on the boy, please.

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