Iker Casillas has pin-pointed England’s goalkeepers as being their key weakness during the World Cup this summer. However, is the Spanish goal-stopper right in his assessment of England?
The Real Madrid no.1 has questioned the big-match temperament of Robert Green, David James and Joe Hart ahead of the tournament which begins on the 11th of June.
None of the three England Goalkeepers have played in European competition last season, which Casillas believes to be vital when huge tournaments come around.
David James lined up for now relegated Portsmouth, whilst Robert Green featured for West Ham. Both of these clubs endured battles at the foot of the table for the majority of the season. Conversely, City’s Joe Hart had a great season on-loan with Birmingham, but may not be ready for a massive tournament due to his lack of experience in Europe in some fans and pundits eyes.
The Spanish goalkeeper believes that when England come up against the bigger nations in the World Cup, the three lions will be exposed immensely. Reported in the Telegraph yesterday (6th of June) Casillas told of England’s goalkeeping problems:
“None of the keepers have played even European Cup level, that’s the highest level you can play at club level. And if you have never played in the top club competition in the world, you are going to find it hard to perform at the top international level in the world when even more eyes are on you.”
Spain’s probable no.1 has heaped more pressure on Capello’s keepers by claiming that nerves will bound to play a big part, and as such, any little mistake will be scrutinised sufficiently. The Telegraph reported Casillas to say:
“At this level nerves play a big part and any mistake a goalkeeper makes is going to be scrutinised. It’s not always about ability at the World Cup, it’s about having been there before and knowing how to handle the big games.”
With this all being said, the Spaniard may be correct and does seem to have a justified and valid point, however, are mind games coming into play? The fact is, this is what the English national team have to offer in this position this summer. The goalkeepers may not have experience in Europe which may hinder them slightly, but its not only about one man, it’s about eleven. Granted, one mistake from the England goalkeeper could result in scrutiny, but it will be up to the other 10 men on the field to play their part in preventing this from occurring.
Capello has left the England fans guessing as to who will be wearing the no.1 shirt in South Africa. Whoever does get the nod from the Italian will certainly have to prove that he fully deserves his place in the team, and as an added incentive will have to prove Iker Casillas wrong in South Africa.
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