Betting on England's goalkeeper v Algeria

Written by James Beckett Monday, 14 June 2010 13:30

England World Cup Blog

It's been nearly 48 hours, we have all had a chance to reflect on the game, but only one talking point remains. And while the whole of the world wonders what on earth Rob Green was doing, Fabio Capello has to make a decision, on whether to bet on sticking with the West Ham man for the now massive game with Algeria on Friday.

In his previous appearances for England, Green has done nothing to suggest an error like that was on the cards, but the fact of the matter is that his mistake changed the course of the game. While England weren't playing particularly well, we were moments away from going in to half time at 1-0, which in any World Cup game is an excellent position to be in.

Current Betfair odds

Robert Green 1.61

David James 2.02

Joe Hart 3.35

The excuses are there from the England squad and pundits alike, blame this new ball, its too light, blame Capello for naming the team too late, and putting Green under unnecessary pressure, but the only man to blame for that howler was Green.


To blame the ball would be ludicrous, and to blame Capello would be saying that Green was unprepared. Green, along with Joe Hart and David James, knew there was a chance he could be picked, and he should have been in the correct state of mind to play, whatever the team selection.


Having said all that though, personally I wouldn't change the goalkeeper for the game against Algeria. I think it would be the biggest drop in confidence for Green and his career, and yes while this isn't about Green, neither Hart or James will be at their most confident playing, after knowing they have only been selected due to a clanger of epic proportions.

Green showed in the second half that he could bounce back from the mistake with a terrific stop from Jozy Altidore, and he needs to show this sort of form in the next game. A clean sheet and an England win, and we will forget about the nightmare of Rustenburg. So for the good of Green and for the good of England, Capello should stick with his original decision.

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