Keeper competition to lift England’s World Cup bid

Nobody knows who will start between the sticks for England against the USA on June 12, not even boss Fabio Capello.

Speaking after the 2-1 win over Japan, Capello revealed he will decide on the day who will keep goal in England’s World Cup opener. It is a controversial move and some people have suggested that Capello’s keeper conundrum could be unsettling for the team, but it could have a beneficial effect.

Rob Green was impressive in the win over Mexico, while David James started in the win over Japan and those two were thought to be fighting for the number one shirt, but Joe Hart was in excellent form after replacing James at half-time.

The Manchester City stopper made a hat-trick of good saves, and following his performance the bookies cut his odds of starting the opener on June 12th. However, Hart may have to settle for a place on the bench, but make no mistake by the time the next World Cup comes around he will be the undisputed number one. He has had a consistent season this time around and his potential is huge and England’s goalkeeping position for the future is in safe hands.

But with regards next month’s tournament the Hart, James and Green might just drive one and other on to greater things. Whoever gets the nod in Rustenburg will be determined to hang on to the number one spot and one false move will probably result in them being dropped.

The competition is as fierce as it has ever been in an England squad, and with all three keepers seemingly on top of their games the standard promises to be high and, with the prospect of penalties on the agenda, Capello could do with an in form keeper.