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Can McClaren afford to gamble on ‘innocence of youth’?
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I was standing at the side of the pitch as England’s goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence was working with keepers Paul Robinson, Scott Carson and David James at Arsenal’s London Colney training complex on Tuesday morning.
They were preparing for Wednesday night’s vital Euro 2008 qualifier by doing their usual drills, diving low to the right, then to the left, saving shots from in front of them, then from behind them as Clemence varied the routines.
The thing that struck our little posse of reporters was just how relaxed the trio was and what great camaraderie there exists between them. They are a strange, tall breed of men are goalies.
I remarked to a colleague just how relaxed Paul Robinson looked. “That’s because the pressure’s off!” he shot back. “He knows he’s been dropped!”
We won’t know for certain whether Steve McClaren has or hasn’t left him out of the starting line-up until just before this crucial game.
He has played in every minute of all 11 qualifiers so far and actually kept clean sheets in nine of those games. The four goals he has conceded came in the 2-0 defeat at Croatia in October 2006 and in the 2-1 loss to Russia in Moscow last month.
Despite the impressive stats, Robinson’s confidence has never been the same since that game against Croatia in Zagreb 13 months ago when a harmless-looking backpass from Gary Neville hit a divot and went bouncing under Robinson’s boot and into his own net as he went to clear it.
Mistakes this season against Germany and Russia haven’t helped his cause, and his club form for Spurs has also been patchy. But he has played for England 41 times since making his debut nearly five years ago and is still the No.1 choice.
Scott Carson, on the other hand, is 22 and has played once for England, in last week’s friendly against Austria. England won 1-0 and he hardly had a shot to save. David James, 37 years old and 35 caps in his cupboard, is unlikely to start — but if Carson edges out Robinson then surely James should be on the bench. If McClaren believes Robinson is out of form, why have him as his nominated substitute?
And who else will be on the bench? David Beckham or Shaun Wright-Phillips? Beckham has played 98 times for England, but just twice in England’s six internationals this season. Wright-Phillips has played five times for England this season and scored twice in the last three games at Wembley.
Will McClaren opt for experience, or go for, as he called it on Tuesday, “the innocence of youth”? He’ll be damned for whatever decision he makes — unless England win.
Even if Carson and Wright-Phillips get the nod, which is very possible, I don’t think Robinson and Beckham will be out of the frame for long. Beckham will eventually get his 100 caps. Robinson deserves to fight another day.
Reuters Soccer Correspondent Mike Collett will be at Wembley on Wednesday
PHOTO: Ray Clemence watches goalkeepers (L-R) Scott Carson, Paul Robinson and David James during a training session in London Colney, November 20, 2007. REUTERS/ Eddie Keogh
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Bringing in Carson to play his first competitive fixture in a match as important as this would be a brave move. Probably the right one, though. One stupid mistake and it could all be over.
Droppping Robinson and Beckham would show a ruthless streak from McClaren, alright. Robinson probably has to go after making such mistakes but Beckham? Surely he was brought back in the first place for matches exactly like this one, when the biggest danger to England will be nerves.
why would u think of dropping beckham, our goal scoring record with beckham playing says over 80% of goals are from set pieces, delieved by that magical right foot of beckham. as for robinson he should be dropped numerous mistakes at club level surely questions his international place! what is going on! perform terribly at club level EVERY week and still play everygame for england. wright phillips is good but u need some one consistent for this sort of game. not a game we can lose 1-0 because of inconsistance. James has the most clean sheets in the premiership, stop playing the joker mclaren and play the royal flush! Beckham to stay. Bent and Defoe Up Front Lampard Dropped And James in goal! COME ON ENGLAND!
Beckham didnt look fit against Austria and in the absence of anyone to partner Crouch upfront McClaren has opted for 4-5-1 when defending and 4-3-3 when attacking.
This means Joe Cole and Shaun Wright Phillips have to play in order to join Croach in attack. There is no way Becks can be sprinting up and down the right flank like SWP.
Reports say Robinson was pencilled in until a horror show in training on Monday. I feel for the lad (in classic managerspeak) because a year ago he was a world beater but when keepers lose their confidence there is often no way back..read the list of United keepers post Schmeichel who began well and then flopped…Bosnich, Taibi, Barthez, Howard, Carroll
Beckham has to play just for the setpieces, especially knowing the way England can go to pieces under pressure.
McClaren should go for experience this time then take the youngsters to Euro 2008 and give them a real go.
I agree. If his confidence has gone he can’t play. Seem to remember Ian Walker also looking like a world beater until he lost his nerve. Any others?
Go Croatia!
I am owner of domain name 10DowningStreet,mobi.
I will give this domain, which is commercialiy probablly worth as a used Mercedes, to Slaven Bilic if he win over England tonight, to remind him forever how he counqer over England in Webley
So, in this case ownership of the No.1 street address in UK, will stay forever in Croatian hands!
PS Did I mentined that I am Croatian?
Seaman lost it at the end and should have retired when the ponytail started growing.
Chris Woods was all over the place when England missed out on World Cup 94 and hardly played club football after that.
David James’ form fluctuates as much as the stock market.
It is always worse with keepers though because a mistake costs a goal. A midfielder can play a stray pass and a striker can miss an open goal but we all remember goalies gifting goals and that’s why it’s a thankless task.
igor, are u insane. croatia were lucky last time because of blunders. ENGLAND WILL WIN. it is our right to get to there, croatia are a scabby team and have been for years. they are just hostile which is why they get results. englands quality will shine through regardless of our form.
Incase i forgot to mention im english
i have started a very nice save the mclaren hair line campaign.We have got a nice salon in florence that could help him.I would like to see him bring back the bangs and maybe a light blonde tint could help.I would do personal cut free for manager.
Im from the u.s.a, minisota and im not a big fan of soccer, i didnt realise croatia had a soccer team? i think england will win. we love beckham like croatia loves to be poor at football. england to win euro 08. is croatia a country?
Who on earth are u igor, what planet are u on, planet unrealistic, obviously. uv failed to take into consideration that everysingle england fan in that massive stadium (which could fit every single croation fan into) will be giving it there heart and soul for 90 minutes. and the uva 50million+ people who are watching will be doing the same! there is no way england will lose at wembly with the support. nobody cares about mclaren or weather robinson or beckham plays. we want the result we deserve!
p.s Im am an englishman by the way! and will have the 3lions on my chest 2night untill that whistle blows and we have booked our place in euro 2008!
I think Carson might be a good move, and also feel Beckham should be in the starting line-up – particularly if Crouch is too.
The idea of Beckham’s crosses and Crouch’s height would be worrying for Croatia.
Tonight I am fairly confident of us beating Croatia and qualifying, but we mustn’t forget that we owe a lot to Israel!
Yeah, I’m with the guy who said make Golan sports personality of the year!
As expected, Beckham on the bench, Robinson out of the squad altogether:
http://thefa.com/England/SeniorTeam/News AndFeatures/Postings/2007/11/EngCro_deta ils.htm
Disgraceful.