THEY DODGED A COUPLE BULLETS...:

Goalkeepers will be England's weak link, claims Casillas (MASSIMO MARZOCCHI, 6/07/10, The Scotsman)

"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.

"If you look at myself, Gigi Buffon of Italy and Julio Cesar of Brazil, we are keepers who've all won European Championships, World Cups and European Cups.

"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."

England coach Fabio Capello has left England's fans guessing as to who his first-choice goalkeeper will be in South Africa, but Casillas believes he knows who will get the nod.

"I don't see that England coach Fabio Capello has any choice but to play Robert Green," he added.

"It doesn't matter if Joe Hart has more natural ability. To throw him into the World Cup with no experience would be crazy and Fabio is far more intelligent than that. He has stuck with Robert Green throughout the qualifying stages and that is the way I am sure it will stay."

...thanks to the injuries to James and Rio Ferdinand.

Posted by Orrin Judd at June 6, 2010 7:28 PM