Who is England's number one?

The final squad was announced on Saturday evening, and perhaps understandably most of the attention and speculation has thus far centred on the fact that David Beckham won`t be getting the opportunity to pick us his 100th cap this time round, and on who will be Capello`s captain but as a goalkeeper myself I`m much more interested in who will be his number one, so that`s what we`re going to concentrate on here.

Let`s take a look at the runners and riders:

Scott Carson (Aston Villa).
Age: 22
Caps 2

It`s only fair to start with the man who wore the gloves last time out. Carson didn`t exactly cover himself in glory against Croatia (who did?) but playing someone with so little experience in such an important game to begin with was a big mistake in my opinion.

Carson has been in good form for Villa since joining on loan from Liverpool, and at 22 has time on his side. I`d be surprised if he doesn`t start the game on Wednesday.

David James (Portsmouth).
Age: 37
Caps: 35

James has arguably been the form keeper in the Premier League since being dropped by former England boss Steve McClaren and has put in some excellent performances for Pompey this term.

The problem for him has to be his age. He will be 40 odd by the time the next World Cup comes along and for that reason I think his time has passed.

Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic).
Age: 26
Caps: 1

Kirkland has been on the scene for years but has never managed to breakthrough into the squad on a consistent basis - down in no small part to the fact that he appears to be made out of glass (as just 107 games in an 8 year professional career would appear to confirm).

I was astounded to see him the squad ahead of Robinson and Green, but I`m expecting him to be the third-choice keeper on Wednesday and therefore not make it onto the bench.


So those are the keepers who made the squad, but what of the others? To my mind there are at least three on the outside itching for a chance to get in:

Paul Robinson (Tottenham Hotspur).
Age: 28
Caps: 41

Where do you start? It`s been a pretty rotten few months for the man who up until the Croatia game was England`s number one. Being dropped for his country`s biggest game for two years wouldn`t have done an awful lot for his confidence, and having now been dropped by his club Robinson is quite possibly at rock bottom.

Recently he said himself that he wouldn`t be surprised if he was excluded from the squad, and that has proved to be the case.

Robert Green (West Ham United).
Age: 28
Caps: 1

The former Canary keeper has been in the form of his life this season, and has been lauded by some Hammers fans as their early choice for player of the season. Personally I`m amazed that he hasn`t been included in the latest squad and think it about time he was given a chance - and that`s not just Norwich bias talking.

Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Age: 20
Caps: 0

The current under-21 keeper broke into the Manchester City first team this season and has so far managed to see off Schmeichel and Isaksson to keep hold of his place with some impressive displays.

I think his time will come, but most likely not until after the next World Cup.


Before the fate of the manager hinged on every single result - or rather not that England win but win in style - friendlies used to be all about finding the balance between trying new things and preparing for the qualifying games or tournament ahead.

It all depends on where Capello`s priority lies on Wednesday night of course, but I would have thought it highly unlikely we will learn anything new from playing David James.

I would have dearly liked to see Green and Carson given a half each but I suspect we will instead see either 90 minutes of Scott Carson or him sharing duties with James, leaving Kirkland to wait for another day and Green to lick his wounds and concentrate on his club form.

Who do you think is England`s number 1? Who should Capello play? Let us know what you think…