England has history of goalie blunders

Associated Press

Rustenburg, S. africa

Robert Green wrote his name onto the lengthening list of blundering England goalkeepers.

Green let a routine shot from Clint Dempsey slip through his grasp for the Americans’ only goal in their high-profile World Cup opener, a 1-1 draw in Group C.

From David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup and Scott Carson in a Euro 2008 qualifier to several gaffes by David “Calamity” James, England has a growing reputation for producing poor goalkeepers.

Former star keepers such as Gordon Banks, Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton would likely have dealt easily with Dempsey’s low, left-footed drive in the 40th minute at Rustenburg on Saturday.

Green was well-positioned as he went down to stop the ball, but it slipped off his gloves and rolled into the net to make it 1-1. He was visibly deflated after his horrendous mistake, which silenced the thousands of England fans.

“I think it’s one of them freak things,” said England captain Steven Gerrard, who scored his team’s fourth-minute goal. “I don’t think you can criticize the goalkeeper. They’ve been talking about the ball. I think he’ll make some important saves for us. We’re all behind him.”

England coach Fabio Capello said he hasn’t decided whether to start Green for the second game against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday.

“He made a mistake, but in the second half he made a good save,” Capello said. “We have time to decide, to speak with him. Afterwards, I will decide.”

Green also got sympathy from U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard.

“He’s got broad shoulders,” Howard said. “He’ll bounce back.”